1873: Proposed New Bridge in Fleet St

Swindon Evening Advertiser 17th February 1873

A meeting of quite an animated character took place at the Volunteer Inn, New Swindon, on Saturday afternoon, with Mr. Westlake in the chair, to take into consideration the advisability of erecting a bridge over the canal leading from Fleet Street, via Milford Street, into Wellington Street, as being a more direct route to the Great Western Railway Station than the bridge now existing between London Street and Station Road. The difficulty in approaching the old bridge is well known to all persons in the town and neighbourhood who possess horses and carry on business with the Great Western Railway Station.

The bridge now contemplated will do away entirely with this difficulty, as it is intended to construct it on a level with the towing-path. It will not only be a great boon to persons trading to and from the Station, but will also be a means of direct communication with that large portion of New Swindon, called "Queens Town". The benefits of such a bridge bring so apparent, the gentlemen present at the meeting look with confidence for the support from the New and Old Swindon, as well as the neighbourhood.

The following sums were subscribed in the room :- Mr.R. Bishop, £5; Mr. Baker, £5, Mr.G.Smith, £5; Mr. J Forward, £5; Mr. H Bishop, £5; Mr. Wait, £5; Mr. H. Smith, £5; Mr. Rich, £5; Mr. W. King £5; Mr. Pope £5; Mr. Hurst, £5;Mr. Hinton £5; Messrs. Freeth and Sons, £5; Mrs. Collard, £4; Mr. Elliott, £3; Mr. Hemming, £2; Mr. Day, £2; Mr. Drysdale, £2; Mr. Jno. Dawe, £1; Mr. A. Sharps, £1; Mr. Hawler, £1; Mr. Rickard, £1; total £87.

A committee for construction having been formed, the following gentlemen were elected to receive subscriptions.

Mr. H. Bishop, Fleet Street, New Swindon; Mr. R Bishop, Rodborne Lane, New Swindon; Mr. Pope, Fleet Street, New Swindon; Geo. Smith, Fleet Street, New Swindon; Mr. J Forward, Fleet Street, New Swindon; Mr. Rich, Regent Street, New Swindon; Mr. Baker, G.W.R. Hotel, New Swindon.

All persons wishing to subscribe are requested to forward to the County of Gloucester Bank; or to the Treasurer Mr. Henry Smith, Volunteer Inn, New Swindon. All communications to be addressed to the Secretary, Mr. George Brooks, 66 Regent Street, New Swindon.