Swindon and the General Strike
Swindon and the General Strike Factory walls can sometimes feel like prison walls, But I always thought the Factory walls in Swindon Had a welcoming, warm and friendly feel, Even in the low sun days of midwinter. For this was a railway town, A Great Western Railway...
The Bespectacled Historian and the Blue Plaques
The bespectacled historian has had a good idea. Stuart (for it is he) said, “Why don’t we have a train ride and a bus ride and a walk and conjoin the Rev Awdry blue plaques at Rodborough and Box?” Everyone said it was a great notion and so they made a plan. Some would...
A Stroudwater 1825 Weavers’ Riots Détournement
Wallbridge Mill ST 848050 Nathaniel Watts first introduced the flying shuttle here in the 1790s – the start of mechanisation. Ham Mill SO 861032 Jennifer Tann Wool and Water: ‘Ham Mill was a focus of the weavers’ riots in 1825.’ 31.5.25 Edwin...
Rodborough Fields Ridge and Furrow
Rodborough Fields Ridge and Furrow When you walk down the footpath towards Kwik Fit, You can see a clear pattern of ridge and furrow (‘Like corrugated fields or waves in a land-sea’), Particularly on frosty midwinter days: A glimpse of a world before enclosure...
An August Sunday at Rodborough Fields
Sunday August 10th 2025 You know that picture of Stroud scarlet cloth Stretched out on tenterhooks in Rodborough Fields, The one in the museum, The one on the information board at the canal at Wallbridge, The one on the information leaflets used in this campaign by...
Our Next Walks
Our Next Walks Jill Shankleman’s Weavers, Mills and Child Labour Walk on November 9th followed the canal from Ebley down to Brimscombe, with a fine attendance of over twenty rapt walkers. The enthusiasm generated there has led us to think about our next walks. We’ll...