‘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

National Archives, Donation and Kineton Photograph

Not sure if others are aware of the significant amount of documents held by the National Archives on the SMJ. The collection consists mainly of Directors Minutes etc. There is also a collection of early 20th C timetables, handbills etc. which I have…Continue

Started by Dave Hayward Apr 26.

Model Railways

HiI'm selling my collection of SMJR related 00 gauge modelsIf of interest for any of you please contact me by mail atjfreuville@gmail.comand I will send you the list and photosKind regardsJackContinue

Started by Jack Freuville Feb 23.

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, 2025.

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, 2025.

SMJ photos

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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

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