IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
Chartwell Road, SWINDON, SN25 2EX

Typical of the mis-matches produced in the rapid expansion of Swindon in recent times. A 'city-style' apartment block overlooks a 'lego-style' primary school.

As the notice explains, developers starting work here unearthed the course of a Roman road, which led to this area being preserved as a park.

Lady Lane is an old country road leading to the village of Blunsdon, which has now been engulfed for much of its length, by the ongoing massive northern expansion of Swindon. Here it is about to plough through some new residential estates. The roundabout is at the junction of Lady Lane with Sandstone Road, and Pennine Way. On the pillars are 20 mph speed restriction signs. These are frequently found in Swindon's new residential areas, and probably will eventually become the norm everywhere.

Viewed facing east, the south elevation of the church can be seen at the left. Beyond that is what was once an abbey, still known as Blunsdon Abbey, which is now a residential property having had a rather modern-looking extension added.

One of several new pubs built to serve the incoming population of north Swindon.

The small south churchyard is viewed facing west. The main entrance is, somewhat unusually, on the north elevation. The small door in the image probably provides access to the boilerhouse. More information on the church can be found here Image

Almost hidden in the trees is the small parish church of St Andrew. The horizon slopes the way it does because the view is diagonally up a small slope. It could have been straightened but then it wouldn't be a true representation of the view.

As the town of Swindon has continued its growth to the west and the north, the Borough Council has ensured that provision is made for new public houses to serve the new communities. Thus Swindon probably has had more new pubs in its suburban estates in the last two decades, than any other place of comparable size. Some of these pubs have been converted from farmhouses, others have been new build. The Blunsdon Arms in the north of Swindon is an example of the latter. It belongs to the Ember Inns chain and is the first time they have built a entirely new pub. Although of a traditional design, the pub has an attractive appearance, and seems to be gaining customers since it opened around 2006. As well as stocking several real ales, the pub has a restaurant. Although the pub's address is Thamesdown Drive, its access is from Lady Lane (the B4534). Like all Ember Inns, children under 14 are not admitted, and those 14 or over are only admitted if dining with an adult.