week three of showing poppy the sights and sounds of Swindon,

week three of showing poppy the sights and sounds of Swindon, Lydiard park one of the best chill and walk places in Swindon, Lydiard Park is an impressive neo-Palladian Georgian mansion set in a country park on the outskirts of Swindon.The house dates in its present form from 1743 when an older H-plan house was remodelled by the 2nd Viscount St John, half-brother of the well-known Tory politician, Lord Bolingbroke.The St John family first came to Lydiard Tregoze in the 15th century and the estate remained in their hands until the 20th century when financial problems led them to sell the house and park to Swindon Corporation in 1943.Lydiard Park was empty when the local authority purchased it and they have restored and refurnished it. Much of the original furniture and all of the portraits have been brought back to Lydiard Park.The exterior of Lydiard Park has changed little  since it was rebuilt in 1743.The two-storey facades are constructed of beautifully cut limestone ashlar.The entrance or south front has a central pedimented feature and there are four Italianate towers at the corners of the building. Much of the old structure survives behind the classical elevations.There have been few changes to the interior since the 18th century.