‘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"
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.
An East and West Junction and Stratford-On-Avon, Towcester and Midland Junction Railways bridge weight notice, cast iron, 16½"x11¾", the front repainted. As is usual, the company title has been altered to Stratford-On-Avon and Midland Junction…Continue
Started by Graham Ward. Last reply by Russ Firth Jun 1.
Bridge 14 at Towcester survives in good condition. A maker's plate says Barwell and Co., Builders & General Ironmongers, Northampton. If you read histories of this company, they were based at the Eagle Foundry in Northampton and seem to have spent most of their time doing much smaller jobs than bridge construction. In fact nowhere can I find reference to their building bridges. But they built several for the Northampton & Banbury Junction Railway, at least between Towcester and Wappenham. But I know of only two with a makers' plate. It is dated 1864 but the line did not open until 1871 so I hope they got paid before then!
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