[1] The station was opened by the Wilts, Somerset and Weymouth Railway on 5 September 1848,[2] and was the initial terminus of their line from Chippenham.

[5][6] It has since been rebuilt and remodelled several times, most recently when the area was resignalled in 1985 (when the Down Salisbury platform line was lifted), but without changing the underlying form created in 1901.

In 2013 the Swindon and Wiltshire Local Transport Body prioritised the reopening of this platform face at an estimated cost of £5.4m.

[7] A freight yard next to the station is used by bulk limestone trains from the rail-served quarries at Merehead and Whatley in Somerset.

On the main Reading to Taunton Line, the station is served by westbound trains to one of Exeter St Davids, Paignton, Plymouth, or Penzance; and eastbound services to London Paddington, which depart approximately once every two hours.