Historical Timeline

31 Dec 1835

Passing of the railway act

The Great Western Railway Act to build a railway line from London to Bristol was presented to parliament in 1834 and given Royal Ascent on the 31st of August 1835.

17 Dec 1840

Opening of the station

30 Jun 1841

Line opened all the way to Bristol

10 May 1848

Fatal Railway Accident

Six dead and thirteen injured after collision of the express with a horsebox.

Feb 1872

Line through station becomes dual gauge

1892

Conversion to standard gauge

1933

Tracks through station quadrupled

1936

Fatal Railway Accident

Two dead and ten injured.

7 Dec 1964

Station closed to passengers

Remained open for goods only

4 Oct 1965

Station closed completely

2016

New overbridge constructed

Level crossing closed permanently

Oct 2018

Electrification London to Swindon completed