‘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
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 4 hours ago.
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.
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.
Bridge sign 3 Replies
An East and West Junction and Stratford-On-Avon, Towcester and Midland Junction Railways bridge weight notice, cast iron, 16½"x11¾", the front repainted. As is usual, the company title has been altered to Stratford-On-Avon and Midland Junction…Continue
Started by Graham Ward. Last reply by Russ Firth Jun 1.
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
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