‘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"
Following on from the previous discussion about WD passenger trains on the SMJ during the 1940s; it must be said that passenger trains ran on metals connected to the SMJ until the mid 1960s. There was a passenger service from the nearest point to…Continue
Arthur Jordan in his book, The Stratford Upon Avon and Midland Junction Railway - The Shakespeare Route at pp 82 mentions a WW2 late night special from Stratford on Avon to Burton Dassett for soldiers at the CAD. I would envisage that this did not…Continue
Started by Dave Hayward. Last reply by Dave Hayward Jun 16.
AndyAbout two years ago I ended up with some railway matter from a Bill Kendall who had been a Signalman on SMJ ending his railway career at Northampton No 1. I worked with him when I was working in Rugby PSB, I also covered the signa?l boxes at…Continue
Started by Robin Leslie Patrick. Last reply by Dave Hayward Jun 8.
Chris Hillyard on the Facebook Group "Railways Of Northamptonshire and Warwickshire" published the attached list of Stationmasters. He has confirmed he is happy for me to share this here.
During the long months of lockdown I began a research project into the former Stationmasters in the employ of the various railway company’s whose lines ran through Northamptonshire. Needless to say my research strayed into Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Warwickshire etc. I have recorded these on an excel spreadsheet which I have deposited in the files section. It is far from complete and actual dates of staff changeover are speculative in some cases, it also shows some contradictions which I cannot explain. The National Newspaper Archive was key in compiling this record, however, many other resources have been utilised. I hope some will find it of benefit in whatever elements of railways history sparks an interest. I intend to continue to fill the gaps, however, I also intend to get out more!