Swindon, Coate Water c.1955
Photo ref: S254036
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Photo ref: S254036
Photo of Swindon, Coate Water c.1955

More about this scene

Looking West to the Diving Board Coate Water was originally constructed in 1821-22 as a reservoir, and was designed to overcome water shortages on the canal system around the town when the North Wilts Canal had opened in 1819. In 1914 Swindon Borough Council purchased both Coate Water and sections of disused canal within the town. Since this time, it has been built up to be a major attraction for local people.

Memories of Swindon, Coate Water c1955

For many years now, we've been inviting visitors to our website to add their own memories to share their experiences of life as it was, prompted by the photographs in our archive. These memories are of Swindon, Coate Water c.1955

Sparked a Memory for you?

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I have very fond memories of Swindon and Coate Water in particular. I was born and brought up in Barking in Essex but my father had an old army pal, Jack Miles, who lived in Swindon ( Wells Street I think) and we would go and visit Jack and his wife Zoe and their daughter Jill on numerous occasions, normally staying for the weekend. I can remember one particular outing to Coate Water and being mesmerised ...see more
I was stationed there 1955 to 1956. Met my wife in Swindon.
I remember swimming in Coate Water aged about 8 - 10 and nearly drowning in the open air swimming pool. My cousin fell into the lake when he was about three but was rescued by my uncle who leapt in to get him out. The diving board in the picture seemed enormous to me and I was impressed by the people who dived from the top. I love Richard Jeffries books and have several which I treasure. I am now aged 73. I went to Holy ...see more
I remember when I was little going to Coate water, feeding the ducks and having picnics with my family. Those were the days! :)