As the industrial revolution and the coming of the railways transformed the Wiltshire countryside Swindon women were on the front line of change, shaping the new industrial town and transforming the old market one.

Frances Bevan is herself an incomer who moved to Swindon more than 30 years ago. Since then she has studied the lives of Swindon women, discovering both the ordinary and the exceptional contributions they have made to the history of the town. Frances also conducts guided walks at Radnor Street Cemetery and other local churchyards telling the stories of the women of Swindon.