Holy Rood Church, Swindon

Holy Rood is a Catholic church in Swindon with Gothic Revival architecture, marked by rubble flint walls and corner ornaments in Corsham stone. The building sits at the corner of Groundwell Road and combines the original tower and transepts with a reconstructed nave aligned on a north-south axis from 1970.

The church opened in 1905 under architect Edward Doran Webb and was the first Roman Catholic church in Swindon since the Reformation. A major reconstruction took place in the 1970s that reshaped the interior while preserving the original tower and transepts.

The church displays modern stained glass work by Dom Charles Norris, integrated after the 1970s restoration to blend contemporary artistry with traditional Gothic elements. Visitors can observe how these pieces shape the light and atmosphere within the interior spaces.

The building is located at the corner of Groundwell Road and is easily accessible on foot, with clear views of the stone and flint exterior. The church provides comfortable interior space and multiple entry points, allowing visitors to explore the building without difficulty.

The original tower dates from 1905, but the nave was completely realigned and rebuilt in 1970 on a different axis. This unusual partial reconstruction means the historic tower now overlooks a restructured interior that serves a different purpose than its founding design.

Location: Central Swindon South

Inception: 1905

Architects: Edward Doran Webb

Architectural style: Gothic Revival

Website: http://holyroodswindon.co.uk

GPS coordinates: 51.55850,-1.77817

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:03