‘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
Funny Story about Kineton Military Railway 1 Reply
An improbable, funny, but absolutely true story relating to the Kineton military railway.Long after my Army days I still retained an affection and passing interest in Kineton ammunition depot where I served during the 1960s. Coupled to a 'love' of…Continue
Started by Dave Hayward. Last reply by Dave Hayward on Sunday.
Blisworth - Towcester ETS working
Electric train staff equipment had been brought into use between Blisworth and Towcester by 9 August 1910 (date of SMJR minute 451 (TNA file RAIL 674/3)) and presumably the new signal box at Blisworth appeared at the same time. In that this was so…Continue
Started by Richard Maund Apr 20.
Blisworth 1920
SMJ board minute 1474 of 13 April 1921 (TNA file RAIL 674/4) approved that “the following expenditure be charged to Capital” for year 1920: “Blisworth: Signalling and alterations to Permanent Way, Improvements and additional signalling: £800”. In…Continue
Started by Richard Maund Apr 20.
Evesham Redditch & Stratford-upon-Avon Junction Railway 8 Replies
Did this railway (as opposed to the East & West Junction Railway) go into receivership - if so, when. And when did it come out of receivership?Continue
Started by Richard Maund. Last reply by Richard Maund Feb 11.
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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