The development of Didcot
Didcot was a small medieval village until it became a GWR railway junction in 1844. Since then it has become a major distribution hub
Didcot in 19th and early 20th century
In 1884 GWR established a Provendor Store there to purchase hay and forage for the 3000 horses used in various ways in railway operations. It closed in 1953.
In 1915 during the First World War the British Army opened the Didcot Ordnance Depot handling distribution of supplies for the war effort, including ammunition.
Present day Didcot
Now the town remains a logistics centre for several major companies, including supermarkets, but more as a result of its proximity to the A34 and M4 road routes.
When the Ordnance depot closed the Didcot A power station was built on the site. Rail links provide access to coal supplies from both South Wales and Midlands coalfields.
Now the rail links are a factor in the growth of Didcot as a commuter town.
