Towcester railway station: Difference between revisions
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|years1 = 7 April 1952 |
|years1 = 7 April 1952 |
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|events1 = Closed to passengers |
|events1 = Closed to passengers |
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|years2 = 3 February 1964<ref name="Clinker">{{Cite book | author=Clinker, C.R. | authorlink= | coauthors= | title=Clinker's Register of Closed Passenger Stations and Goods Depots in England, Scotland and Wales 1830-1977 | date=October 1978 | publisher=Avon-AngliA Publications & Services | location=Bristol | isbn=0- |
|years2 = 3 February 1964<ref name="Clinker">{{Cite book | author=Clinker, C.R. | authorlink= | coauthors= | title=Clinker's Register of Closed Passenger Stations and Goods Depots in England, Scotland and Wales 1830-1977 | date=October 1978 | publisher=Avon-AngliA Publications & Services | location=Bristol | isbn=0-905466-19-5 | page=135}}</ref> |
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|events2 = Goods facilities withdrawn |
|events2 = Goods facilities withdrawn |
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=== Station buildings and layout === |
=== Station buildings and layout === |
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The station was a major centre of the SMJ. It was the only station on the line to have three platform faces (one up and two down platforms), and the down platforms were linked to the up platform by the line's only footbridge.<ref>{{Cite book | first = J.M. | last = Dunn | authorlink= | coauthors= | title=The Stratford & Midland Junction Railway | year=1977 | publisher=The Oakwood Press | location=Blandford, Dorset | isbn= |
The station was a major centre of the SMJ. It was the only station on the line to have three platform faces (one up and two down platforms), and the down platforms were linked to the up platform by the line's only footbridge.<ref>{{Cite book | first = J.M. | last = Dunn | authorlink= | coauthors= | title=The Stratford & Midland Junction Railway | year=1977 | publisher=The Oakwood Press | location=Blandford, Dorset | isbn=0-85361-036-3 | page=18}}</ref> The main station buildings, a two-storey [[gable]]d structure built of [[brick]], were situated on the up platform. A small platform [[Canopy (building)|canopy]] projected from the front of this building, with its central section unusually raised in an inverted "V". Small single-storey extensions flanked either side of the main building. Inside the building, there was a booking office, waiting room and toilet facilities, as well as accommodation for the stationmaster. Extensive [[rail siding|sidings]] were provided: the down side holding 126 wagons and the up side 3 wagons; there was also a {{convert|42|ft}} [[turntable (rail)|locomotive turntable]] which was transferred from {{stnlnk|Stratford}} in 1908.<ref>Dunn, J.M., p. 18.</ref> |
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Until the amalgamation of the NBJ and SMJ in 1910, both companies ran over the same stretch of single track as far as Greens Norton junction where the line to [[Banbury Merton Street railway station|Banbury]] diverged southwards from the line to {{stnlnk|Stratford}}. This required a [[signal box]] at each end of Towcester station and a third at the junction. Amalgamation resulted in the abolition of the junction and its replacement with two separate tracks running parallel from Towcester before separating at Greens Norton. The three signal boxes were replaced by a new high box at the Blisworth end of the down platform, to which access could be had from the footbridge. This was altered in 1926 when the [[London, Midland and Scottish Railway]] (LMSR), which had taken over the line upon the [[Railways Act 1921|railway grouping]], installed a new footbridge and separate steps were provided to the box.<ref>{{Cite book | last=Jordan | first=Arthur | coauthors= | title=The Stratford-upon-Avon and Midland Junction Railway: the Shakespeare route | date=1982 | publisher=Oxford Railway Pub. Co. | location=Headington, Oxford | isbn=8609-3131 | page=33}}</ref> |
Until the amalgamation of the NBJ and SMJ in 1910, both companies ran over the same stretch of single track as far as Greens Norton junction where the line to [[Banbury Merton Street railway station|Banbury]] diverged southwards from the line to {{stnlnk|Stratford}}. This required a [[signal box]] at each end of Towcester station and a third at the junction. Amalgamation resulted in the abolition of the junction and its replacement with two separate tracks running parallel from Towcester before separating at Greens Norton. The three signal boxes were replaced by a new high box at the Blisworth end of the down platform, to which access could be had from the footbridge. This was altered in 1926 when the [[London, Midland and Scottish Railway]] (LMSR), which had taken over the line upon the [[Railways Act 1921|railway grouping]], installed a new footbridge and separate steps were provided to the box.<ref>{{Cite book | last=Jordan | first=Arthur | coauthors= | title=The Stratford-upon-Avon and Midland Junction Railway: the Shakespeare route | date=1982 | publisher=Oxford Railway Pub. Co. | location=Headington, Oxford | isbn=8609-3131 | page=33}}</ref> |
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[[Image:Banbury, Blisworth, Cockley Brake, Fenny Compton, Northampton, Ravenstone Wood,Roade, Stratford on Avon, Towcester, & Woodford & Hinton RJD 2.jpg|thumb|right|A 1911 [[Railway Clearing House]] map of railways in the vicinity of Towcester]] |
[[Image:Banbury, Blisworth, Cockley Brake, Fenny Compton, Northampton, Ravenstone Wood,Roade, Stratford on Avon, Towcester, & Woodford & Hinton RJD 2.jpg|thumb|right|A 1911 [[Railway Clearing House]] map of railways in the vicinity of Towcester]] |
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Until 1893, Towcester served as a junction station for services to {{stnlnk|Olney}}, as well as an interchange for Blisworth to Banbury services and Blisworth to Stratford services. Around four services a day called from Olney to provide a connection with Stratford services.<ref>Simpson, B., p. 69.</ref> The 1920s saw Towcester at its busiest on weekday mornings at 9am, with three passenger services scheduled to depart: one for Banbury, one for [[Broom Junction railway station|Broom]] and one for Blisworth. The station also saw special services for [[Towcester Racecourse]], which was particularly known for the Grafton Hunt Steeplechase on [[Easter Monday]]s which attracted between 7,000 and 8,000 visitors to the town. Between 1927 and 1939 the LMSR laid on regular excursion trains from {{stnlnk|St. Pancras}}.<ref>{{Cite book | last=Kingscott | first=Geoffrey | authorlink= | coauthors= | title=Lost Railways of Northamptonshire (Lost Railways Series) | date=2008 | publisher=Countryside Books | location=Newbury, Berkshire | isbn=978-1-84674-108-1 | page=113}}</ref> Specials also ran from {{stnlnk|Winslow}} and [[Oxford Rewley Road railway station|Oxford]], combining at {{stnlnk|Verney Junction}} and continuing on the Banbury branch.<ref name="Riley">{{Cite book | first = R.C. | last = Riley | authorlink= | coauthors= Simpson, B.| title=A History of the Stratford-upon-Avon & Midland Junction Railway | year=1999 | publisher=Lamplight Publications | location=Witney, Oxon | isbn= |
Until 1893, Towcester served as a junction station for services to {{stnlnk|Olney}}, as well as an interchange for Blisworth to Banbury services and Blisworth to Stratford services. Around four services a day called from Olney to provide a connection with Stratford services.<ref>Simpson, B., p. 69.</ref> The 1920s saw Towcester at its busiest on weekday mornings at 9am, with three passenger services scheduled to depart: one for Banbury, one for [[Broom Junction railway station|Broom]] and one for Blisworth. The station also saw special services for [[Towcester Racecourse]], which was particularly known for the Grafton Hunt Steeplechase on [[Easter Monday]]s which attracted between 7,000 and 8,000 visitors to the town. Between 1927 and 1939 the LMSR laid on regular excursion trains from {{stnlnk|St. Pancras}}.<ref>{{Cite book | last=Kingscott | first=Geoffrey | authorlink= | coauthors= | title=Lost Railways of Northamptonshire (Lost Railways Series) | date=2008 | publisher=Countryside Books | location=Newbury, Berkshire | isbn=978-1-84674-108-1 | page=113}}</ref> Specials also ran from {{stnlnk|Winslow}} and [[Oxford Rewley Road railway station|Oxford]], combining at {{stnlnk|Verney Junction}} and continuing on the Banbury branch.<ref name="Riley">{{Cite book | first = R.C. | last = Riley | authorlink= | coauthors= Simpson, B.| title=A History of the Stratford-upon-Avon & Midland Junction Railway | year=1999 | publisher=Lamplight Publications | location=Witney, Oxon | isbn=978-1-899246-20-5| page=81}}</ref> |
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The routes into Towcester began to close to passengers from the beginning of the 1950s: Banbury to Towcester closed entirely on 30 June 1951 and Blisworth to Stratford closed to passengers on 7 April 1952. The line to Cockley Brake junction was lifted towards the end of 1955 and the SMJ's station at Blisworth closed to passengers in 1960. The section from Towcester to Ravenstone Wood junction remained used by freight until June 1958, and the line south to Olney closed as a result of the construction of the [[M1 motorway]]. The last section to remain open was from Woodford West junction to Blisworth which closed to goods in February 1964.<ref>Kingscott, G., p. 117-121.</ref> |
The routes into Towcester began to close to passengers from the beginning of the 1950s: Banbury to Towcester closed entirely on 30 June 1951 and Blisworth to Stratford closed to passengers on 7 April 1952. The line to Cockley Brake junction was lifted towards the end of 1955 and the SMJ's station at Blisworth closed to passengers in 1960. The section from Towcester to Ravenstone Wood junction remained used by freight until June 1958, and the line south to Olney closed as a result of the construction of the [[M1 motorway]]. The last section to remain open was from Woodford West junction to Blisworth which closed to goods in February 1964.<ref>Kingscott, G., p. 117-121.</ref> |
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== Present day == |
== Present day == |
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The station buildings, which were of no interest to the local community, were demolished to be replaced by a light [[industrial estate]]<ref>{{Cite book | last=Mitchell |first= Vic | coauthors = Smith, Keith | authorlink= | title=Branch Lines Around Towcester | date=November 2008 | publisher=Middleton Press | location=Midhurst, West Sussex | isbn= |
The station buildings, which were of no interest to the local community, were demolished to be replaced by a light [[industrial estate]]<ref>{{Cite book | last=Mitchell |first= Vic | coauthors = Smith, Keith | authorlink= | title=Branch Lines Around Towcester | date=November 2008 | publisher=Middleton Press | location=Midhurst, West Sussex | isbn=978-1-906008-39-0 | page=Plate 120}}</ref>, a [[Tesco]] supermarket and a car salesroom. The [[A43 road|Towcester bypass]] has severed the trackbed near Greens Norton junction, but a section of [[embankment (transportation)|embankment]] remains intact to the south of the road.<ref>Simpson, B., p. 105.</ref> |
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== External links == |
== External links == |
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{{Closed_stations Northamptonshire}} |
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{{Closed_stations_Northamptonshire}} |
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[[Category:Disused railway stations in Northamptonshire]] |
[[Category:Disused railway stations in Northamptonshire]] |
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Revision as of 00:26, 12 May 2012
Towcester | |
|---|---|
| General information | |
| Location | South Northamptonshire |
| Line(s) | Northampton and Banbury Junction Railway |
| Platforms | 3 |
| History | |
| Pre-grouping | Stratford-upon-Avon and Midland Junction Railway |
| Post-grouping | London, Midland and Scottish Railway London Midland Region of British Railways |
| Key dates | |
| 1 May 1866[1] | Opened |
| 7 April 1952 | Closed to passengers |
| 3 February 1964[2] | Goods facilities withdrawn |
Towcester was a railway station on the Stratford-upon-Avon and Midland Junction Railway which served the Northamptonshire town of Towcester between 1866 and 1964. It was one of the most important stations on the line, and once served as an interchange for services to Stratford, Banbury and Olney. It also saw substantial traffic on racedays at Towcester Racecourse. Its closure came as the various interconnecting lines to the station closed one by one in the 1950s and 1960s.
History
Opening
In 1863, the Northampton & Banbury Junction Railway (N&BJ), a forerunner of the Stratford-upon-Avon and Midland Junction Railway (SMJ), received Parliamentary authorisation to construct an 18 miles (29 km) line from the London and North Western Railway's Blisworth station on their London to Birmingham line to Cockley Brake junction, at which point the new branch would form a junction with the existing Banbury to Verney Junction Branch Line.[3] The public opening of the section of line from Blisworth to Towcester took place on 30 April 1866, with Towcester station formally opening to traffic the next day.[4] The remainder of the line was finally opened by 1 June 1872.
Station buildings and layout
The station was a major centre of the SMJ. It was the only station on the line to have three platform faces (one up and two down platforms), and the down platforms were linked to the up platform by the line's only footbridge.[5] The main station buildings, a two-storey gabled structure built of brick, were situated on the up platform. A small platform canopy projected from the front of this building, with its central section unusually raised in an inverted "V". Small single-storey extensions flanked either side of the main building. Inside the building, there was a booking office, waiting room and toilet facilities, as well as accommodation for the stationmaster. Extensive sidings were provided: the down side holding 126 wagons and the up side 3 wagons; there was also a 42 feet (13 m) locomotive turntable which was transferred from Stratford in 1908.[6]
Until the amalgamation of the NBJ and SMJ in 1910, both companies ran over the same stretch of single track as far as Greens Norton junction where the line to Banbury diverged southwards from the line to Stratford. This required a signal box at each end of Towcester station and a third at the junction. Amalgamation resulted in the abolition of the junction and its replacement with two separate tracks running parallel from Towcester before separating at Greens Norton. The three signal boxes were replaced by a new high box at the Blisworth end of the down platform, to which access could be had from the footbridge. This was altered in 1926 when the London, Midland and Scottish Railway (LMSR), which had taken over the line upon the railway grouping, installed a new footbridge and separate steps were provided to the box.[7]
Traffic
Until 1893, Towcester served as a junction station for services to Olney, as well as an interchange for Blisworth to Banbury services and Blisworth to Stratford services. Around four services a day called from Olney to provide a connection with Stratford services.[8] The 1920s saw Towcester at its busiest on weekday mornings at 9am, with three passenger services scheduled to depart: one for Banbury, one for Broom and one for Blisworth. The station also saw special services for Towcester Racecourse, which was particularly known for the Grafton Hunt Steeplechase on Easter Mondays which attracted between 7,000 and 8,000 visitors to the town. Between 1927 and 1939 the LMSR laid on regular excursion trains from St. Pancras.[9] Specials also ran from Winslow and Oxford, combining at Verney Junction and continuing on the Banbury branch.[10]
The routes into Towcester began to close to passengers from the beginning of the 1950s: Banbury to Towcester closed entirely on 30 June 1951 and Blisworth to Stratford closed to passengers on 7 April 1952. The line to Cockley Brake junction was lifted towards the end of 1955 and the SMJ's station at Blisworth closed to passengers in 1960. The section from Towcester to Ravenstone Wood junction remained used by freight until June 1958, and the line south to Olney closed as a result of the construction of the M1 motorway. The last section to remain open was from Woodford West junction to Blisworth which closed to goods in February 1964.[11]
| Preceding station | Disused railways | Following station | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blakesley | SMJR East and West Junction Railway |
Terminus | ||
| Wappenham | SMJR Northampton and Banbury Junction Railway |
Tiffield | ||
| Terminus | SMJR Stratford-upon-Avon, Towcester and Midland Junction Railway |
Stoke Bruern |
Present day
The station buildings, which were of no interest to the local community, were demolished to be replaced by a light industrial estate[12], a Tesco supermarket and a car salesroom. The Towcester bypass has severed the trackbed near Greens Norton junction, but a section of embankment remains intact to the south of the road.[13]
External links
References
- ^ Butt, R.V.J. (1995). The Directory of Railway Stations, Patrick Stephens Ltd, Sparkford, ISBN 1-85260-508-1, p. 232.
- ^ Clinker, C.R. (October 1978). Clinker's Register of Closed Passenger Stations and Goods Depots in England, Scotland and Wales 1830-1977. Bristol: Avon-AngliA Publications & Services. p. 135. ISBN 0-905466-19-5.
{{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ Jenkins, Stanley C. (1990). The Northampton & Banbury Junction Railway. Headington, Oxford: Oakwood Press. p. 10. ISBN 0-85361-390-7.
{{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ Jenkins, S.C., p. 18.
- ^ Dunn, J.M. (1977). The Stratford & Midland Junction Railway. Blandford, Dorset: The Oakwood Press. p. 18. ISBN 0-85361-036-3.
{{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ Dunn, J.M., p. 18.
- ^ Jordan, Arthur (1982). The Stratford-upon-Avon and Midland Junction Railway: the Shakespeare route. Headington, Oxford: Oxford Railway Pub. Co. p. 33. ISBN 8609-3131.
{{cite book}}: Check|isbn=value: length (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ Simpson, B., p. 69.
- ^ Kingscott, Geoffrey (2008). Lost Railways of Northamptonshire (Lost Railways Series). Newbury, Berkshire: Countryside Books. p. 113. ISBN 978-1-84674-108-1.
{{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ Riley, R.C. (1999). A History of the Stratford-upon-Avon & Midland Junction Railway. Witney, Oxon: Lamplight Publications. p. 81. ISBN 978-1-899246-20-5.
{{cite book}}: Unknown parameter|coauthors=ignored (|author=suggested) (help) - ^ Kingscott, G., p. 117-121.
- ^ Mitchell, Vic (November 2008). Branch Lines Around Towcester. Midhurst, West Sussex: Middleton Press. p. Plate 120. ISBN 978-1-906008-39-0.
{{cite book}}: Unknown parameter|coauthors=ignored (|author=suggested) (help) - ^ Simpson, B., p. 105.