The
Lydiard Park Project 
The 20th Century at Lydiard House and Park
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The Lydiard Estate was broken up in series of land sales beginning in 1920. By the outbreak of World War II the house had fallen into a sad state of disrepair, entirely lacking any modern amenities. |
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In 1941 Lydiard Park was requisitioned and an American Forces hospital camp was established in the area of the present sports pitches. The camp served the 101st American Airborne Division and treated casualties from the D Day landings. It subsequently became a German prisoner of war camp. |
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In 1943 the last remaining parts of the Lydiard Estate were sold. Swindon Corporation, led by their remarkable Town Clerk David Murray John, purchased the house and 147 acres of surrounding parkland. Murray John successfully spearheaded a campaign to restore the house, which opened to the public in 1955. |
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In 1950 the military camp had been converted to temporary housing for local people to alleviate the post war housing shortage. For many Swindon people the camp provided their first marital home. The camp was demolished in 1960. |
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To take the tour of the House and Park today Click Here |
In 1985 the 260 acre park was designated a Country Park, and a new visitors centre with refreshment facilities was built. Today the park is visited by around 250,000 people a year, and the house is open to visitors as a historic house and registered museum, containing much of the original St. John family furnishings and portrait collection. |
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