About Swindon in Wiltshire

Swindon is a town in Wiltshire, England. The town is located on the River Thames and is about 80 miles (130 km) west of London. Swindon is the largest town in Wiltshire and is the administrative centre of the borough of Swindon. The town has a population of about 185,000 people.

Swindon was first settled in the early 12th century and was known as Swindun. The name is thought to come from the Old English words for "pig" and "hill". In the 13th century, the town's name was changed to Swindon.

Swindon's growth began in the early 19th century with the opening of the Wilts and Berks Canal and the Great Western Railway. The railway brought workers to Swindon from all over Britain, and the town's population grew rapidly. Swindon became a borough in 1881 and a county borough in 1900.

The 20th century saw further growth in Swindon with the development of industry in the town, particularly in engineering and electronics. Swindon's population continued to grow, reaching over 200,000 by the mid-1970s.

Today, Swindon is a thriving town with a diverse economy. The town is home to several major businesses, including Honda, Zurich Insurance, Nationwide Building Society, and Intel. Swindon is also a popular tourist destination, with attractions such as Steam - The Museum of the Great Western Railway, Lydiard House and Park, and the Swindon Designer Outlet.