Canal House or Elm Villa, Swindon

[toby webb]

     I wonder if there are any canal experts on board for I recently read of a Canal House (formerly on the banks of the Wilts. & Berks. Canal in Swindon)which housed an abortive artesian well & steam pump.
     This is breaking news for me. It just seems so unlikely! Has anyone anything to add to this matter? Thanks for any help. Toby.

[LizzieW]

I don't see why they wouldn't have had a steam pump, perhaps it was further along the canal outside of Swindon.

Why not contact the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust they would be able to help you - https://www.wbct.org.uk/

[toby webb]

Sorry. I should have been more specific. The area concerns Wellington Street bridge built c. 1885 and subject of a painting of that date. i.e. this House, which is better known as Elm Villa, seems to have started as a public house. T

[Milliepede]

The library has - or did have - a wonderful Canal history book showing photos then and now.  Elm Villa definitely rings a bell.  Would highly recommend if you haven't read it.  I can't recall the full title but it was A4 size with a soft red cover. 

Is the painting you refer to the one in the Railway museum?

[hanes teulu]

On the 1891 Census, "Elm Villa, Wellington street" is occupied by "John J Jefford, Aerated Water Manufacturer".

An 1889 newspaper report has "Charles Barker, Aerated Water Manufacturer" at that address.

[hanes teulu]

In 1905 the Lamb Brewery Stores at 10 Fleet Street and Henry Street were removed to "ELM VILLA (close to Wellington Street Bridge)"

Yet to spot an early mention of Elm Villa as a pub. In 1879 it was advertised  -

"For £26 - TO LET, with immediate possession, the large compact residence known as ELM VILLA, situated near Wellington Triangle, and containing 8 rooms, with kitchen, pantry and scullery adjoining; also kitchen garden with fowl pens attached".

[hanes teulu]

On the 1871 Census Elm Villa is occupied by "Samuel Carlton, Manager Railway Works".

Can only see it as a private residence.

[toby webb]

       Thank you Milliepede. Would the book be "Canal Days in Swindon"?
    I believe that the painting is in the Swindon Museum which was in Old Town. Currently the building, Apsley House, is for sale. I was very sorry to see that it was closed  for, as a child, it was a wonderland for me. However, I am delighted to learn that the whole of the contents are to be in a new
museum in a top floor of the old Civic Offices. I look forward to the opening. T

[toby webb]

Thank you hanes teulu for so much information. The Census details are familiar to me. In 1851 the building was unoccupied and in 1841 it may not have existed in it's final form. 1911 Census reveals it unoccupied again. I have lots more from North Wilts Directories and the local newspapers but the  "Lamb Brewery Stores move in 1905" is new to me. Could you let me have source details? T