The Swindon Advertiser published this enthusiastic report about the future of the newly acquired Lydiard House and Park on August 6, 1943.
In the middle of a war, Councillors were far sighted enough to see the potential of the House and Park, and with the help of Councillor F.E. Akers (after whom Akers Way is named) managed to purchase the property.
If only the present day SBC could see past the £450,000 subsidy and how by keeping the property in council hands it could earn them an income instead of leasing it out to private companies to reap the benefits.
Visit 'the list' for a few income generating ideas.
Lydiard Park Secured for Swindon People?
Future of a Grand Old English Home
It is reported that the beautiful and historic Lydiard Park, with its mansion, gardens, woodlands and lake, which for long years was the home of the Bolingbrokes, has been acquired by Swindon Corporation.
As reported last week, the estate was purchased by Councillor F.E. Akers at a cost, including the surrounding pasture lands and farm properties, of £14, 250.
Future Development
Councillor Akers told a North Wilts Herald and Advertiser reporter that it would have been a great pity had this glorious old English home passed into the hands of people who were not concerned aiwht the future development of the country surrounding Swindon. He agreed he had purchased the estate in the hope that it would be acquired by the Corporation and preserved for all time for the benefit of the community.
The Coporation were interested and had mentioned to him the figure they were prepared to pay for the estate, exclusive of the farms and pasture land. They did not, however, want the purely agricultural part of the estate: so he purchased the whole lot, intending, of course, to release the mansion and park lands to the Council at their own figure.
Yesterday it was reported that the deal would soon be an accomplished thing.
A Second Coate Water
The use to which the estate …
It is easy to discern many ideal purposes that the park might serve. It would, for instance, comparable in some respects to prove invaluable as an adult educational centre, and, with the increased travelling facilities to be expected after the war, it would command great popularity as a picnic centre, Coate Water.
An important reminder:-
