Swindon may not boast places of great historic interest, but many of the town's landmark buildings have been allowed to crumble away . . .

The Hermitage

Built in the 1850s, the once splendid house was situated on the edge of the Lawns. Since it closed in 1988 the Hermitage fell into disrepair, and was often attacked by vandals and lived in by squatters. It was demolished in September 1994 and replaced by a sheltered housing scheme.

Mechanics' Institute

THIS 150-year-old building was run by the Mechanics Institution, a society formed by workers of the Great Western Railway, as a source of learning and instruction for its members who paid a subscription drawn directly from their wages.

The Institute housed a library, a newspaper reading area and hosted lectures on the arts and technical matters. The library closed in 1960 and the railway works followed suit in 1986. Plans to turn the building into a hotel were turned down in 1990 and campaigners worked throughout the decades to stop further deterioration. Earlier this year Mountmead Limited sold the building to Forefront Estates Limited.

Methodist Central Hall

The building was constructed in 1907 and stood in Clarence Street until it was gutted by fire in May 1977.

It remained derelict for eight years, before work started in August 1985 to create Nationwide's Administration Centre, at Kingsbridge Point, Princes Street.

Baptist tabernacle

Built in 1886, the Baptist Tabernacle occupied the space opposite the current Savoy, in Regents Circus, Swindon.

It was demolished in 1972 but the stonework is now in Malmesbury. The Pilgrim Centre now stands in its place.

Lawn Mansion

The early 15th century manor was replaced with a mansion by the Goddard family in the early 18th century.

In 1946 Swindon Corporation purchased the site for £18,000. The house deteriorated to such an extent that it was declared unsafe and was demolished in 1952.

The icehouse still stands and remnants of the 17th century lodge form the pillars of the present gates.