5. SMJR discovery-23.01.20

THE ARCHIVE FILES > Archive-2020 > 5. SMJR discovery-23.01.20
I took a walk from home to Towcester in order to meet my wife for lunch. My cross-country walk took me across some incredibly muddy fields and under the closed SMJR (Stratford-upon-Avon and Midland Junction Railway) just east of Towcester in the grounds of Easton Neston house. I only managed some pictures on my i-phone but I will return again in better weather and with a better camera to undertake a bit more exploration!
Click here to search The Archive Files


Images 1-4 of 4 displayed.

Former SMJR embankment & hut, Easton Neston SP712505 The route of the former SMJR can be seen on the embankment running from the left of the image towards the pylon. Although now obscured by trees, the distinctive shape of the embankment is clear to see. Where the farm track crosses the former trackbed a platelayer's hut still stands even if it is now roofless. This particular location is in the grounds of Easton Neston Park near to the estate village of Hulcote. Keywords: Former SMJR embankment hut Easton Neston SP712505 Stratford-upon-Avon and Midland Junction Railway
Former SMJR bridge, Easton Neston SP712504 A nicely constructed bridge that carried the former Stratford-upon-Avon and Midland Junction Railway (SMJR) over a bridleway in the grounds of Easton Neston Park. This section of the line that went from Towcester to Ravenstone Junction was closed in 1964. However, it was used for storage of redundant stock for several years prior to its eventual disposal. Keywords: Former SMJR bridge Easton Neston SP712504 Stratford-upon-Avon and Midland Junction Railway
Former SMJR bridge, Easton Neston SP714502 Despite not having carried any rail traffic for nearly sixty years, the bridge that carried the SMJ Railway over this farm track looks to be in remarkable condition. This location is near to the village of Hulcote on land managed by the Easton Neston Estate. Keywords: Former SMJR bridge, Easton Neston SP714502 Stratford-upon-Avon and Midland Junction Railway
Former SMJR embankment & bridge, Easton Neston SP715501 In this remote spot on the land managed by Easton Neston Park near to Towcester are two grand and very smart bridges carrying the trackbed of the former SMJ Railway within a hundred metres or so of each other. Both cross farm tracks so I suspect that when the line was being planned the then Lord Hesketh demanded these high-quality structures as a condition of its construction across his land in the 1880s. Keywords: Former SMJR embankment & bridge, Easton Neston SP715501 Stratford-upon-Avon and Midland Junction Railway

Images 1-4 of 4 displayed.