 Swindon has grown from a population of just 1,198 in 1801 to over 150,000 in 2001.The modern town of Swindon is built on and around a hill that stands over above sea-level, now known as Swindon Hill.Its location to the north of the Marlborough Downs and on the southern end of the Vale of White Horse, with access to the River Cole and others, made it suitable for use as farming land.