‘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"
Did this railway (as opposed to the East & West Junction Railway) go into receivership - if so, when. And when did it come out of receivership?Continue
Started by Richard Maund. Last reply by Richard Maund Feb 11.
Shall we bring this discussion under the proper heading!So far as the OS plan surveyed 1885, published 1886, is concerned: the OS liked - wherever they could - to have text running parallel to the top and bottom borders. When they came to add the…Continue
Started by Richard Maund. Last reply by Richard Maund Feb 10.
Some time ago we ahd an interesting and lively discussion on the mystery station at Tiffield, which added quite a lot to our collective knowledge.I've recently been looking closely at two of the other mystery stations- at North End (sometimes…Continue
Started by Barry Taylor. Last reply by Richard Maund Jan 27.
Page 12 of Arthur Jordan's book features a full page reproduction of the E&WJ public timetable handbill for August 1873. Does anyone know where the original of that handbill is preserved?Incidentally, the timetable itself formed the basis of…Continue
Started by Richard Maund. Last reply by Barry Taylor Jan 25.
Hi David, just found this excellent site, were avid SMJ followers, just love to walk anong those warwickshire by ways,,,must head your way on my boat sometime soon, Martin.
Sorry David,
I got it wrong. The sound of the digger was heard at Stoke Bruerne. Not Roade. I can quite believe that. Hope you didn't mind my comment but as I was connected with the quarry I thought perhaps I should set the matter straight. I must look out for your book. Sounds as though it will be very interesting.
Regards
Just for your info. The digger at Blisworth which you could hear at Roade was a 5360 Ransomes & Rapier over-burden stripper running on its own rails. Not a dragline !!!
Nothing to do with the SMJ but just to say how much I have enjoyed reading your book 'The Railways of Northamptonshire'. I think it's better written and researched than the other published works on the subject. As a result of being favourably impressed, although not really into canals I have since read your 'Waterways of Northamptonshire' and started getting interested in these as well, visiting Ellesmere Port museum on my way back from Wales recently. I also saw the butty boat 'Raymond' moored up near Stoke recently and wondered if you own it nowadays. Next on my reading list is 'Bread upon the Waters' which I bought the other day.
David. Its so good you have joined. I thank you so much for your help with my website all those years ago. Look where we are now! I hope you can add to the site and look forward to hearing from you
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Hi David, just found this excellent site, were avid SMJ followers, just love to walk anong those warwickshire by ways,,,must head your way on my boat sometime soon, Martin.
I got it wrong. The sound of the digger was heard at Stoke Bruerne. Not Roade. I can quite believe that. Hope you didn't mind my comment but as I was connected with the quarry I thought perhaps I should set the matter straight. I must look out for your book. Sounds as though it will be very interesting.
Regards
It's come a long way hasn't it since I stood in for you at Towcester that year! Glad you are contributing, keeping the memory alive!
Andy
Can you give me the details of your Railways of Northamptonshire book and I will mention it on the further reading page
Thanks
Andy
Nothing to do with the SMJ but just to say how much I have enjoyed reading your book 'The Railways of Northamptonshire'. I think it's better written and researched than the other published works on the subject. As a result of being favourably impressed, although not really into canals I have since read your 'Waterways of Northamptonshire' and started getting interested in these as well, visiting Ellesmere Port museum on my way back from Wales recently. I also saw the butty boat 'Raymond' moored up near Stoke recently and wondered if you own it nowadays. Next on my reading list is 'Bread upon the Waters' which I bought the other day.
Best wishes
Dick
Good to have you with us!
Peter
Andy