‘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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More building at Towcester 2 Replies

I hear there has been more building at the station site in Towcester.Anyone know what they've dug up?…Continue

Tags: Towcester

Started by Andy Thompson. Last reply by Nigel Nov 7.

Broom History Group Event 9th November 2024

Broom History Group will be holding an event at Broom Village Hall 2-4pm on 9th November 2024 including a film on the railway and Broom Junction.…Continue

Started by Simon Stevens Oct 25.

Misunderstanding Easton Neston 2 Replies

Hello, I'm a new member and I've searched through the articles and can't find anything specific to my answer/ question. Can anyone help?…Continue

Started by Matt Davis. Last reply by Matt Davis Oct 16.

Loco N° 5. 2-4-0T

Hi everybodyI’m building a OO gauge model of Fenny Compton and Clifford Sidings over here in Belgium.Quite a strange idea but so be it…In view of this I plan to transform a RTR Beatie Well Tank into SMJR N° 5 the 2-4-0T and use some etchings for the…Continue

Started by Jack Freuville Aug 29.

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.