‘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"

Welcome to
The SMJ Society

Or sign in with:

SMJ Forum

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

The Final Day

Under BR, the former SMJ went into stagnation and very little effort was made to run the line economically. By 1947 the passenger service to Broom from Stratford had already gone. Passenger numbers fell and talk of closures filled the air. July 1951 saw the withdrawal of the Blisworth and Banbury passenger service and April 1952 saw the end of passenger services between Blisworth and Stratford.

07:12 43568 + 1 coach Stratford To Blisworth
08:55 Blisworth to Stratford
10:43 Stratford to Blisworth
12:45 44567 + 2 coaches Blisworth to Stratford
18:40 44525 + 5 coaches Startford to Blisworth
18:50 44568 + 1 coach leaves Blisworth for Stratford

Words posted on a poster at Helmdon station near the end of services

" Closing of Helmdon Village and Wappenham Passenger Stations; On and from Monday 2nd July 1951 the passenger train service between Blisworth and Banbury will be withdrawn and Helmdon Village and Wappenham Stations will be closed for passengers. Alternative facilities for passengers are provided in this area by the various Omnibus services"

Closure of line

Woodford South Curve 22.10.1900
Roade Curve 24.5.1917
Cockley Brake Jcn - Towcester 12.7.1953
Towcester - Ravenstobe Wood Jcn 28.6.1958
Broom Jcn - Stratford 13.6.1960
Woodford West Jcn - Blisworth Ironstone 3.2.1964
Burton Dassett - Stratford 1.3.1965
Fenny Compton - Byfield Ironstone June 1965
Blisworth Ironstone - Blisworth 30.9.1967

44567 At Stratford, 4.5.52. The 2:06 train

Click here to see more 'Final Days' images

Find more photos like this on "The Unofficial SMJ Society" at www.smj.me

If you have any information or photos, sign up and leave us a comment

Add a Comment

You need to be a member of The SMJ Society to add comments!

Join The SMJ Society

Badges | Report an Issue | Terms of Service