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Methodist Central Hall, Swindon, Wiltshire



The Methodist Central Hall in Swindon was built in 1906-7 by the Tydeman Brothers, a local building firm.  It was located in Clarence Street and backed onto Princes Street.  An extension - known as the New Hall - was built in 1956-7, this time by the Tydeman Brothers & Sons (the next generation of the family).  One of the Tydeman Brothers - William - is Duncan's great grandfather and was a member of the church and they built the church at cost.  The other brother was Walter Tydeman.  These photographs were taken by William's grandson Harold Ball, who is Duncan's father.  Harold told us he climbed onto the roof of the cinema next door during the stone laying ceremony of the New Hall to take some of these photographs!

The Methodist Central was not only a church for worship but for many years all sorts of events took place there, including concerts.  We have leaflets from a few events and will add them to these pages when time permits.

During the early 1970s the congregation joined with four other Swindon churches, all vacating their buildings, to become Central Church.  The Methodist Central Hall burnt down in May 1977 and was then demolished.

Central Church met in various churches, then settled in to the Trinity Presbytarian (URC) building until it moved into its new home in the Pilgrim Centre in November 1990.

Outside
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Swindon - photo: 0001
Viewed from Princes Street. The building to the left was known as the Old Club House.
Photo No: 0001     Size: 269k
Photo Date: April 1955
Swindon - photo: 0002
Photo No: 0002     Size: 445k
Photo Date: April 1955
Swindon - photo: 0003
The old club house has been demolished and the foundations are started for the New Hall extension.
The two boys stood outside are Duncan's brother Neil and their cousin Ivor.
Photo No: 0003     Size: 306k
Photo Date: April 1955
Swindon - photo: 0007
The laying of the foundation stone.
Manouvering the stone into place is Harry Tydeman.
Photo No: 0007     Size: 479k
Photo Date: 26th May 1956
Swindon - photo: 0006
[Stone laying ceremony.]
The row of houses and shop is Princes Street (all now demolished).
Photo No: 0006     Size: 822k
Photo Date: 26th May 1956
Swindon - photo: 0005
Taken from the roof of the cinema next door.
Photo No: 0005     Size: 907k
Photo Date: 26th May 1956
Swindon - photo: 0004
Photo No: 0004     Size: 690k
Photo Date: 26th May 1956
Swindon - photo: 0008
The opening of the New Hall extension
Photo No: 0008     Size: 341k
Photo Date: 25th May 1957
Swindon - photo: 0009
Photo No: 0009     Size: 639k
Photo Date: 25th May 1957
Swindon - photo: 0012
Outside of the New Hall extension - and notice A. Rimes & Sons Ltd on the left - a name older Swindonians will remember for their coaches.
Photo No: 0012     Size: 630k

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This page was last updated on 23/08/2022 12:49:28
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