‘The Stratford Upon Avon & Midland Junction Railway’ (or S.M.J.) was a small independent railway company which ran a line across the empty, untouched centre of England. It visited the counties of Northamptonshire, Warwickshire, Oxfordshire and a little of Buckinghamshire, only existing as the SMJ from 1909 to 1923. In 1923 the S.M.J.became a minor arm of the London Midland and Scottish (L.M.S.), then in 1948 'British Railways'
Gone but not forgotten: "the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth"
.
SMJ Forum
SMJ seats at York Museum ?
I took my grandson to the National Railway Museum on Dec. 30th and noticed two bench seats, of the type found on station platforms until traditional stations were replaced with bus-shelters. Both bear the title " STRATFORD " - I'll try and upload…Continue
Started by Paul Atherton Jan 5.
More building at Towcester 2 Replies
I hear there has been more building at the station site in Towcester.Anyone know what they've dug up?…Continue
Tags: Towcester
Started by Andy Thompson. Last reply by Nigel Nov 7, 2024.
Broom History Group Event 9th November 2024
Broom History Group will be holding an event at Broom Village Hall 2-4pm on 9th November 2024 including a film on the railway and Broom Junction.…Continue
Started by Simon Stevens Oct 25, 2024.
Misunderstanding Easton Neston 2 Replies
Hello, I'm a new member and I've searched through the articles and can't find anything specific to my answer/ question. Can anyone help?…Continue
Started by Matt Davis. Last reply by Matt Davis Oct 16, 2024.
SMJ photos
SMJ No 1 and Colonel Stephens
It has always been a mystery why the good colonel named this loco 'Morous' when he bought it from the SMJ in 1910 for the Shropshire and Montgomeryshire. One theorist claims it was after a Welsh poet but frankly, the Shropshire borders aren't that packed with welsh speakers Stephens generally stuck to Greek and Latin classics for his loco names. Apparently, there was also another nameplate at Kinnerley works titled Murous.
Judging by some of his letters and memos, Stephens' spelling and grammar wasn't that immaculate, so I wonder if the whole thing was a joke on his part. The two new engines built for the line were Pyramus and Thisbe (later given to two replacements). The SMJ described itself as 'The Shakespeare Line' and what came between Pyramus and Thisbe, the star-crossed lovers in 'Midsummer Night's Dream" ? A wall - and the latin for wall is Murus. Perhaps after the plate makers had had two unsuccessful goes at getting it right, Stephens (ever thrifty) said 'to heck with it, use that plate anyway and keep them guessing'.
Not of direct relevance to SMJ history perhaps but part of the history of a gallant little engine.
Peter Phillips
Views: 35
© 2025 Created by Andy Thompson.
Powered by
