‘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
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.
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, 2025.
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, 2025.
SMJ photos
Olney Branch
The joint committee dicided to build a single-track railway line between Towcester and the Midland main line near Olney in an attempt to save the two companies. The line to Ravenstone Junction branched off from just north of Towcester station and ran through Easton Neston to continue through Shutlanger and crossed over the L.N.W.R. at Roade where a connection was made. There were two intermediate stations:
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Comment by Richard Woods on January 3, 2013 at 0:04
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Unfortunately, the gate at the back of Coulthard Close was removed by the council in May 2012, due to saftey fears. I still look after the SMJ boundry fence, as it can be prone to vandalism, particularly during the summer months.
Richard Woods
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Comment by Andy Thompson on February 29, 2012 at 23:38
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Cant wait! Andy
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I've put myself in charge of the up-keep of the gate since we rescued it in July 2009, and i will be taking my camera, so i should have plenty to show after my journey1
Richard
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My brother ;ives in the Shires. Senna Drive. His son palys at the bottom of Coultard Clos (or somethng) on what was the Olney branch. You've got a lovely orginal gate down there, I have some shots! Dont forget to atke lots of piccys! Andy
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Okay, thanks. I'll be heading out that way on April 9th, i'm planning a mini expedition to walk on from the Permanant way hut in Showsley with my destination being the Salcey Forest station. I went out with my cousins on April 9th 2009 to see the Olney branch and walked from the farm in Piddington until i reached the station. I then discovered a railway chair on the bank which i took back home to where i live, in Towcester. I still have it to this day, along with other railway artifacts which i discovered in the forest behind Coulthard Close, The shires, Towcester, opposite where i live.
Richard
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When last I was there Richard, the under pass could still be walked except for the land owners fencing
Andy
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Is the bridge under the M1 impassable?
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