‘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"
.
SMJ Forum
Further about Ravenstone Wood Junction
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 on Saturday.
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.
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.
Bridge sign 3 Replies
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.
SMJ photos
Dock Railways, Stratford on Avon
Not strictly SDMJ but does anybody have a plan of the railways around the entire complex of canal basins in Stratford on Avon, roughly in the area in front of the THeatre. I have seen it somewhere but cannot locat it now. Did it have any direct link to the SMJ.
Regards
Dave Hayward
Views: 128
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by John Jennings on
-
Dave
There are a number of plans around based on the early o/s maps. You will find one illustrated opposite page 89 of "Waterways to Stratford" published by David & Charles in 1962 ref 7153 4231 2. By the time that the East & West Junction Railway had established itself at Stratford traffic on the Tramway was in serious decline and ceased before the amalgamation that brought the SMJ into being. The Tramway and the canal had both ended up in the ownership of the GWR who saw no future in either except where the canal provided a convenient source of water for its locomotives! There are very few first hand accounts of the tramway but if you are interested in it and the complex of wharves around the basin(s) try to get hold of a book called "The Dillen" published by Elm Tree Books ref 0 241 10558 7. You do have to search the text but it is worth while. Although the Tramway crossed the SMJ line just west of Clifford Sidings there was never any physical connection (nor was any even proposed). Any interchange of traffic from the wharves would have invoved horse drawn carts transferring loads a distance of 3/4 mile to Old Town station I think it highly unlikely that there was ever any such traffic and none is recorded as far as I am aware.
John
-
-
John
Thank you very much for this helpful answer, I will try to locate the book you mention.It seems that the Moreton Trmway was seen as virtual extension of the canal.
RegardsDave Hayward
John Jennings said:
Dave
There are a number of plans around based on the early o/s maps. You will find one illustrated opposite page 89 of "Waterways to Stratford" published by David & Charles in 1962 ref 7153 4231 2. By the time that the East & West Junction Railway had established itself at Stratford traffic on the Tramway was in serious decline and ceased before the amalgamation that brought the SMJ into being. The Tramway and the canal had both ended up in the ownership of the GWR who saw no future in either except where the canal provided a convenient source of water for its locomotives! There are very few first hand accounts of the tramway but if you are interested in it and the complex of wharves around the basin(s) try to get hold of a book called "The Dillen" published by Elm Tree Books ref 0 241 10558 7. You do have to search the text but it is worth while. Although the Tramway crossed the SMJ line just west of Clifford Sidings there was never any physical connection (nor was any even proposed). Any interchange of traffic from the wharves would have invoved horse drawn carts transferring loads a distance of 3/4 mile to Old Town station I think it highly unlikely that there was ever any such traffic and none is recorded as far as I am aware.
John
© 2025 Created by Andy Thompson.
Powered by
