Wichelstowe is a residential development and urban extension on the southern edge of the town of Swindon in South West England, constructed from late 2006.

[3] The medieval history of the site is reflected in the name; 'Wichel' is the original name of the area as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, and 'stowe' is an Old English word meaning "meeting place".

[4] Before the Wichelstowe development was built, the area was commonly known as the 'front garden' of Swindon since it was a stretch of open land which separated the town from the motorway.

[5] In 2001, the Front Garden Action Group (FRAG) and Bloor Homes launched an unsuccessful High Court challenge against the Structure Plan and the green light was effectively given for Wichelstowe to go ahead.

East Wichel, the eastern quarter, was largely built by Taylor Wimpey who operated independently with support from Swindon Borough Council.