Location
Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to evaluate the impacts of the railways on their local area.
Duration
1 hour
Overview
In early 1841, the first train pulled into Swindon, changing the town forever.
Why is so much of the Swindon we know today a product of the railway’s arrival? How did the decision to build rail infrastructure around Swindon put the town onto a different track? What was the impact of this wonderful, new transport on the inhabitants and their lives?
In this lesson, students will use maps and historical sources to help uncover Swindon’s railway story, and categorise and evaluate the impacts of the railway industry on the town.
Curriculum Links
KS3 History
- Ideas, political power, industry and empire: Britain, 1745-1901
- A local history study
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How to get there
This lesson is designed to be taught in a classroom. However, if you would like to visit Swindon with your class, please use either of the options below to help plan your journey.
The nearest station is Swindon.
