‘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
That 'Said post' at Towcester Station site
Add a Comment
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Comment by Gary on August 9, 2009 at 17:15
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Andy,
The fence is on top of the original wall. That wooden fence doesn't extend to the ground. Some has been reinforced but I would swear that I saw some original brickwork when I was there. I will have to have a look when I am next there. It is hard when they insist on putting stuff in front of it though isn't it?
The wall was only 13 bricks high in places.
G
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Comment by Andy Thompson on August 9, 2009 at 16:44
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Image below is through Tescos gate and of the original boundary. They have either re-built it and covered it with wood or they have covered the original retaining wall with wood.
Andy
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Gary
Watch this space, I think I might have the evidence - later
Andy
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Andy,
I suspect it looks newish as it hasn't been hidden in undergrowth.
The damage does suggest some age to it - especially the rust on the exposed reinforcing.
I reckon it has survivrd as it was in a location where it was not in the way and to remove would be more hassle than it is worth. It appears to have been bashed more than once and yet still stands despite that crack at the base.
I think it is still there today because it isn't on Tesco owned land.
As for its location on your aerial photo I think it was slightly further up on the edge of the shot. Is there anyway to accurately plot it with map/google earth overlays?
G
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The problem I have withthis post is 1, it looks newish but badly looked after and 2, why did it survive?
Thoughts please
Andy
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Is this where this post may have been?
Andy
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We'll go take a look! May I now ad to the fence post debate. Originalor not?
Andy
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Andy,
Do you realise that the retaining wall of the Tesco yard behind that fence is also part of the retaining wall of the station too? - See my photos taken in 1996 to see the wall I mean - you can see the curve for the bay. I noticed it when I was there in Jan but didn't think it was wise to waft my camera around without asking and I was there for just moments really.
G
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