History of Swindon - Medieval Swindon

Medieval Swindon

Recorded in the Domesday Book as both Suindone and Suindune in 1086, the settlement was assessed at 12¾ hides and divided into 5 holdings. The largest holding under the ownership of Odin the Chamberlain, which was later known as the Manor of High Swindon. 5 hides, known as the Manor of Nethercott, was owned by Odo, Bishop of Bayeux, Earl of Kent, and half-brother of King William the Conqueror. Other holdings recorded in the Domesday Book are: Ulward, West Swindon (2 hides) and Alvred of Marlborough, 1½ hides. Smaller estates at Walcot, Even Swindon and Broome are also noted.

After Odo's imprisonment for having planned a military expedition to Italy, High Swindon reverted back to the Crown until the reign of Henry III in the 13th century who gave it to William de Valence, Earl of Pembroke. It is under the ownership of William de Valence that the first recorded market held in Swindon is documented, in 1259.

The first recorded Members of Parliament in Swindon's history are John Ildhelfe and Richard Pernaunt. In 1295 they were elected into the Model Parliament of King Edward I. Swindon became part of the constituency of Cricklade in 1660. (see also History of government in Swindon)

There are also records existing that show in 1334 there were 248 poll tax payers in the town.

The oldest recorded street in the town is Newport Street near the cattle market (dated 1346), originally called Nyweport Street meaning 'New Market'. The cellars of some houses in modern day Newport Street are thought to date back to this era.

During the 14th Century, the Manor of High Swindon was known as Hegherswyndon. High Swindon has perhaps seen the least development of all the Manors, remaining largely unchanged until the 19th century.

During the period from 1086 onwards, the boundaries of High and West Swindon were re-arranged into Over and Nether Swindon and eventually became known as West and East Swindon in the 16th century. Nethercott became the Manors of Eastcott and Westcott in the 16th century. Eastcott was bought by the Vilett family in the 18th century (now marked by Eastcott Hill in today's town) and Westcott was purchased by the Goddard family in the 18th century. In 1563, the Manor of Swindon (East and West Swindon) was purchased by Thomas Goddard. At the time of the purchase Swindon's economy revolved around the Agriculture industry, with sheep farms to the south, pigs and cattle to the north with Tanners, woolmongers and other trades supporting the farms in the town itself.