These steps lead up to what was once the private grounds and chapel of the Manor House which belonged to the Goddard Family. Until the overspill estates were built around Swindon in the 1950s to rehouse people after WW2, the view from these steps would have looked over fertile farmland. The river Cole flowed at the foot of the hill, this has now been culverted underground to make way for one of the main dual carriageways into the town.Out for a walk at the Lawns on this afternoon on New Year's Day - the hoar frost remains on the trees - the cold pinches my fingers. The first of January arrives bleakly and somewhat grey.
The aptly named (for today) Ice House at the Lawns
The lower lake - both the upper and lower lake remain frozen
The resident pair of swans with their fully grown cygnets. I was surprised to see the younger swans still with their parents as last year I spotted the five cygnets flying away in October.
The aptly named (for today) Ice House at the Lawns
The lower lake - both the upper and lower lake remain frozen
The resident pair of swans with their fully grown cygnets. I was surprised to see the younger swans still with their parents as last year I spotted the five cygnets flying away in October.
