‘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"
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SMJ Forum
BLAKESLEY and an SMJ stamp
This item has come up in an auction recently and is a glimpse of the practice of carrying mail by train. Apart from the SMJ…Continue
Started by Graham Ward Nov 14, 2025.
Further about Ravenstone Wood Junction 1 Reply
Firstly a belated thanks to Barry for his excellent research that has returned these signal lever plates to their rightful home! [Perhaps their place of residence on the website needs changing!] Apologies for starting s new Forum discussion on this…Continue
Started by Dave Hayward. Last reply by Barry Taylor Oct 23, 2025.
Ravenstone Wood Junction Signal Box-an anomaly 3 Replies
Closely examining the brass lever plates shown in the Olney Line entry in the Index Section of this website I noticed a significant anomaly. Some of the above plates, specifically 1, 10, 11, 12, 25, 32, 34. refer to platforms, loading dock, goods…Continue
Started by Dave Hayward. Last reply by Barry Taylor Oct 9, 2025.
SMJ keys from the Towcester area 1 Reply
I have been contacted by someone who wishes to dispose of two sets of SMJ-related keys from the Towcester area, but does not want to put personal email or other details on this website. They have been given to him by the estate manager at Easton…Continue
Started by Barry Taylor. Last reply by Barry Taylor Sep 4, 2025.
SMJ photos
Easton Neston brickworks
The SMJ served this site from a siding about a mile from Towcester station on the Olney line. One evening (June 23 1966 to be exact) we went and looked over the site, which included this lake - an old clay pit. We were told - but did not believe it - by fishermen that an old engine lay at the bottom of the lake and its chimney had once appeared when the level of the lake had dropped to a very low level.
Albums: SMJ 1964 onwards
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Comment by John Evans on February 18, 2013 at 3:01
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That's really fascinating, Richard. Who would have thought it?
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Comment by Richard Woods on February 17, 2013 at 22:49
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There is indeed a narrow gauge locomotive resting peacefully at the bottom of this lake, approximately 65ft down. The story goes that the mining had come into contact with a vast underwater spring, which was unnoticed by workmen and and the quarry was flooded overnight, and when they returned to work in the morning, everything was underwater. With various small wagons and one locomotive being submerged. I have heard similar accounts from various locals from the Easton Neston Estate and elswhere.
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