Tiffield Station Site - The SMJ Society2024-03-29T10:56:14Zhttp://thesmjr.ning.com/forum/topics/tiffield-station-site?commentId=3138568%3AComment%3A51190&feed=yes&xn_auth=noCan confirm that there was a…tag:thesmjr.ning.com,2014-06-08:3138568:Comment:620492014-06-08T21:11:07.390ZDick Bodilyhttp://thesmjr.ning.com/profile/Dick
<p>Can confirm that there was a foot crossing between Blakesley Bridge 24 and Dunkley's (aka. Cattle) Bridge 25. It was much nearer to Bridge 24 than Bridge 25 not many yards west of the up home signal, but obviously the quoted distances don't make sense. My 'guesstimate' would be around 8 miles & 46 chains. It carried a much contested public footpath from a point half way down School Lane right through a property's garden, then through Blakesley Hall grounds to Woodend. Squire C W…</p>
<p>Can confirm that there was a foot crossing between Blakesley Bridge 24 and Dunkley's (aka. Cattle) Bridge 25. It was much nearer to Bridge 24 than Bridge 25 not many yards west of the up home signal, but obviously the quoted distances don't make sense. My 'guesstimate' would be around 8 miles & 46 chains. It carried a much contested public footpath from a point half way down School Lane right through a property's garden, then through Blakesley Hall grounds to Woodend. Squire C W Bartholomew constructed a metalled footpath along side the Woodend Road from a point near Blakesley Station to Woodend, then declared that the footpath that crossed the E&WJR had been closed. It is doubtful that he got official approval for this 'closure'. Certain villagers continued to use the footpath and the crossing just to make their point but it largely died out of use and may well have been unofficially fenced off. CWB was a major shareholder in the E&WJR and carried a lot of clout. Many years after CWB's death in 1919, people (mainly children) began reusing the footpath and crossing in the 1950s, usually as a short cut to the village cricket ground and this annoyed the owner of the property whose garden it crossed so much that he successfully went through the official channels to get the footpath and the crossing closed. So from around the late '50s onwards in BR days there was no longer any foot crossing or footpath. Undeterred, the children of the village made their own unofficial crossing from a field at the end of School Lane much nearer to bridge 25, frequently crawling under the couplings of up goods trains held at the up home signal much to the consternation of those trains' crews.</p> Just to throw another spanner…tag:thesmjr.ning.com,2014-06-08:3138568:Comment:619652014-06-08T17:06:37.415ZNIGELhttp://thesmjr.ning.com/profile/NIGELALANFURNISS
<p>Just to throw another spanner in the works, there are a few mistakes in the bridge numbers document.</p>
<p>A noticeable one is on the Morton Pinkney to Blakesley section, foot crossing at 8 miles & 26 chains, this is between the Blakesley station bridge at 8 miles & 37 chains and Dunkleys bridge at 8 miles & 66 chains.</p>
<p>Could it be just a simple mistake, the 2 in 26 chains should be a 5 ?</p>
<p>Just to throw another spanner in the works, there are a few mistakes in the bridge numbers document.</p>
<p>A noticeable one is on the Morton Pinkney to Blakesley section, foot crossing at 8 miles & 26 chains, this is between the Blakesley station bridge at 8 miles & 37 chains and Dunkleys bridge at 8 miles & 66 chains.</p>
<p>Could it be just a simple mistake, the 2 in 26 chains should be a 5 ?</p> Does the intermediate block p…tag:thesmjr.ning.com,2014-05-22:3138568:Comment:618322014-05-22T18:37:00.332ZNIGELhttp://thesmjr.ning.com/profile/NIGELALANFURNISS
<p>Does the intermediate block post imply a signal box to control it at that point i.e. at Tiffield. Or was it controlled from somewhere else ? By definition this eliminated a passing loop, as the box would have been equipped with token instruments. Any thoughts ?</p>
<p>Does the intermediate block post imply a signal box to control it at that point i.e. at Tiffield. Or was it controlled from somewhere else ? By definition this eliminated a passing loop, as the box would have been equipped with token instruments. Any thoughts ?</p> Hi folks
Great to see that t…tag:thesmjr.ning.com,2014-03-02:3138568:Comment:559042014-03-02T23:05:10.503ZRichard Woodshttp://thesmjr.ning.com/profile/RichardWoods
<p>Hi folks</p>
<p></p>
<p>Great to see that the story of Tiffield Halt has developed! Barry mentioned at the very start of the thread that the bridge register document may have been incorrect, and it certainly seems to be incorrect given that there are numerous accounts reciting the station being at the top of the embankment.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Here's an intriguing scenario: The document lists the station at 2 chains from bridge 9, but what if there was an error when the document was compiled?…</p>
<p>Hi folks</p>
<p></p>
<p>Great to see that the story of Tiffield Halt has developed! Barry mentioned at the very start of the thread that the bridge register document may have been incorrect, and it certainly seems to be incorrect given that there are numerous accounts reciting the station being at the top of the embankment.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Here's an intriguing scenario: The document lists the station at 2 chains from bridge 9, but what if there was an error when the document was compiled? What if somebody made a typing error? Because when the document was made, the creator may have meant something else, such as 12 chains rather than 2 chains. With a single chain being equal to 22 yards, 12 chains would be worth 264 yards, and this measurement of distance from bridge 9 takes you to EXACTLY the top of Meadow Rise where the steps are located, which is where many people's accounts recall the station being. So, was the Tiffield Halt 12 chains from Caldecotte Road bridge 9, and not 2 chains? The mathematics are speculative at best, but certainly seem to stack up with the stories of the Halt being located atop of the embankment.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Just a thought though, but I shall have to get down to Meadow Rise before it becomes too overgrown with spring approaching.</p> Remarkable - he did mention a…tag:thesmjr.ning.com,2014-03-02:3138568:Comment:558052014-03-02T16:11:08.525ZNIGELhttp://thesmjr.ning.com/profile/NIGELALANFURNISS
<p>Remarkable - he did mention a hut, but not what it was made of. If it was made of wood this would explain why there is no apparent trace left of it. Having walked this section late last year I certainly do not recall seeing any huts. The date of this loop being in operation must be in the 1930's and 40's, as he remembers it, which is probably why we cannot see it on any maps as yet - I cannot access any for these dates.</p>
<p>Remarkable - he did mention a hut, but not what it was made of. If it was made of wood this would explain why there is no apparent trace left of it. Having walked this section late last year I certainly do not recall seeing any huts. The date of this loop being in operation must be in the 1930's and 40's, as he remembers it, which is probably why we cannot see it on any maps as yet - I cannot access any for these dates.</p> This is fascinating info Nige…tag:thesmjr.ning.com,2014-03-02:3138568:Comment:558042014-03-02T14:49:44.154ZBarry Taylorhttp://thesmjr.ning.com/profile/BarryTaylor
<p>This is fascinating info Nigel. Seems to confirm that the Tiffield station site was in fact by the wooden steps and not further towards Towcester as suggested by the Bridges Register position.</p>
<p>Which makes me wonder - is that position of 2 miles 56 ch from Blisworth actually the position of the passing loop? That would make sense.</p>
<p>Do you have any idea of dates for the loop - I recall that during LMS days they introduced a maintenance trolley system on the SMJ lines, with the…</p>
<p>This is fascinating info Nigel. Seems to confirm that the Tiffield station site was in fact by the wooden steps and not further towards Towcester as suggested by the Bridges Register position.</p>
<p>Which makes me wonder - is that position of 2 miles 56 ch from Blisworth actually the position of the passing loop? That would make sense.</p>
<p>Do you have any idea of dates for the loop - I recall that during LMS days they introduced a maintenance trolley system on the SMJ lines, with the trolleys kept in wooden huts at right angles to the line - I'm sure that there is a pic somewhere showing one.</p>
<p>Two thoughts - if there was an accident it may have been investigated and a report produced - if there is any idea of dates we might be able to find the report.</p>
<p>Also - it was usual for a inspection to be made by the Board of Trade when new sidings, loops etc were brought into use -again if there is a date we might be able to find this.</p> Also of interest is that he s…tag:thesmjr.ning.com,2014-03-01:3138568:Comment:557502014-03-01T18:31:19.664ZNIGELhttp://thesmjr.ning.com/profile/NIGELALANFURNISS
<p>Also of interest is that he states there was a passing loop between the footpath and Caldecote road bridge on the Towcester side. This footpath was also a farm crossing with gates, and mention of an accident here has been recorded, when a train ran into the back of a farm cart on the line. This crossing is 10 chains from the bridge and was definitely not Lloyds siding as the points were manually operated. The loop was just a passing place for gangers trolleys in this section.</p>
<p>Also of interest is that he states there was a passing loop between the footpath and Caldecote road bridge on the Towcester side. This footpath was also a farm crossing with gates, and mention of an accident here has been recorded, when a train ran into the back of a farm cart on the line. This crossing is 10 chains from the bridge and was definitely not Lloyds siding as the points were manually operated. The loop was just a passing place for gangers trolleys in this section.</p> Having spoken directly with m…tag:thesmjr.ning.com,2014-03-01:3138568:Comment:559002014-03-01T17:36:44.668ZNIGELhttp://thesmjr.ning.com/profile/NIGELALANFURNISS
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1490433825?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1490433825?profile=original" width="503"></img></a> Having spoken directly with my old work colleague who was born in Tiffield, and whose father worked on the railway at Towcester, I can state that the potential site for the Halt was on the embankment but on the Towcester side. See map. The site was only a pile of sleepers not very high and probably just one coach length. Like I said before it was mainly used by railway…</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1490433825?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="503" class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1490433825?profile=original"/></a>Having spoken directly with my old work colleague who was born in Tiffield, and whose father worked on the railway at Towcester, I can state that the potential site for the Halt was on the embankment but on the Towcester side. See map. The site was only a pile of sleepers not very high and probably just one coach length. Like I said before it was mainly used by railway staff.</p> I think that the siding might…tag:thesmjr.ning.com,2014-02-27:3138568:Comment:556342014-02-27T17:00:30.010ZBarry Taylorhttp://thesmjr.ning.com/profile/BarryTaylor
<p>I think that the siding might be the one that existed a little nearer to Towcester, known as Lloyds Siding. It opened c 1873 and served an ironworks and brickworks. Although the works closed quite quickly and the signalbox there was also closed, I think that the siding lingered on for a while, and may be the one recalled here.</p>
<p>I haven't heard of another siding between Tiffield and Towcester - but you never know!</p>
<p></p>
<p>On the subject of the station at Tiffield - take a look at…</p>
<p>I think that the siding might be the one that existed a little nearer to Towcester, known as Lloyds Siding. It opened c 1873 and served an ironworks and brickworks. Although the works closed quite quickly and the signalbox there was also closed, I think that the siding lingered on for a while, and may be the one recalled here.</p>
<p>I haven't heard of another siding between Tiffield and Towcester - but you never know!</p>
<p></p>
<p>On the subject of the station at Tiffield - take a look at the oldmaps.co.uk website.</p>
<p>Put in coordinates 469500 and 251700 in the boxes provided - this will give you Tiffield.</p>
<p>Then select (from the list on the right) 1885 1:2500 map and click on it to enlarge.</p>
<p>See the plain area outlined with a shallow curve, indicated on the west side of the embankment, just between the footpath and the underbridge.</p>
<p>Is this "flat" section where the platform was?</p>
<p>Then select the 1900 1:2500 map - the shallow area has now become solid hatching denoting a usual embankment - has the platform now gone?.</p>
<p>I've tried copying these maps but no success.</p>
<p>Bearing in mind that the maps would have been surveyed a few years earlier than their actual dates, this might be possible confirmation of the station site around 1870?</p> Also of interest is,
"there…tag:thesmjr.ning.com,2014-02-26:3138568:Comment:555892014-02-26T17:42:43.609ZNIGELhttp://thesmjr.ning.com/profile/NIGELALANFURNISS
<p></p>
<p>Also of interest is,</p>
<p></p>
<p>"there was a small siding on the Towcester side of Caldecote Road bridge, so they could let the train pass when necessary. "</p>
<p>He also mentions the Ro-Railer in 1933, probably the last journey it ever made.</p>
<p>I have checked the bridge number list and numerous old maps, but the siding is not listed.</p>
<p>There is a colour photo available of the butchers hut, and I am seeking permission to place it on this site.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Also of interest is,</p>
<p></p>
<p>"there was a small siding on the Towcester side of Caldecote Road bridge, so they could let the train pass when necessary. "</p>
<p>He also mentions the Ro-Railer in 1933, probably the last journey it ever made.</p>
<p>I have checked the bridge number list and numerous old maps, but the siding is not listed.</p>
<p>There is a colour photo available of the butchers hut, and I am seeking permission to place it on this site.</p>