‘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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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.

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.

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.

SMJ photos

Was the Railway Arch at Blisworth really built by R. Dunkley?

In looking for records of Richard Dunkley's career we have drawn a blank in many areas and are faced with a speculative trip to Kew Records Office - unless one of you guys know some answers:

1) Documentary proof he built the Arch

2) Support for the idea it was started by some other builder who made a mess of it.

3) How did Richard Dunkley establish his reputation in the early days? Apart from the likelihood that his patrons may have been Stephenson and/or Duke of Grafton

4) Family life produced three daughters and one son. That's all we know!

Thanks Tony Marsh tony@marsht.plus.com

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Brian Porteous on October 22, 2015 at 20:41

Tony,

If you haven't checked this out in the interim, this link may be of use.

http://www.blisworth.org.uk/images/Railway%20Arch/dunkley.htm

Hope it helps,

Brian

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Permalink Reply by Tony Marsh on October 22, 2015 at 21:15

hey Brian, you have linked to MY article on the topic. It's work in progress and I am hoping to get info. from any railways expert! thanks anyway - i bet that doesn't happen very often. Tony

Brian Porteous said:

Tony,

If you haven't checked this out in the interim, this link may be of use.

http://www.blisworth.org.uk/images/Railway%20Arch/dunkley.htm

Hope it helps,

Brian

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Brian Porteous on October 23, 2015 at 11:51

Tony,

Apologies, I read the originally penned part, blundered past your name and on to read the excellent article.