LMS Route: Rugby to Wolverhampton

LMS Route: Hampton in Arden to Whitacre

Hampton - Derby Junction: lnwrhiaj707

View of the original Hampton station also known as 'Derby Junction' with the LNWR station on the left and the B&DJR station on the right. The dating of the photograph would suggest the late 1880s because of the style of the LNWR platform building on the left together with the signal box was introduced at about this point of time. However as the LNWR had recently opened a new station approximately ¼ mile away in the Coventry direction, we have to ask why the LNWR built a new structure at this location too. One possible, and a totally unsubstantiated reason, might be due to contractual reasons. The MR, as the B&DJR had become, still ran a very limited service from Whitacre because of the obligations forced on them by Parliament. It might therefore be the case that the LNWR were equally compelled by their contractual responsibilities to the MR to follow suit. It does not explain why a new building was erected but it does explain why the LNWR continued to maintain a presence at this junction. I was fortunate to get my copy of this photograph from a local GP, Dr Alan Smyth, who lived in Hampton in Arden. Alan had responded to an article I had written about the photograph of LNWR 4-4-0 No 226 'Colwyn Bay' which was taken passing the old junction. Apparently when visiting a very old lady patient he saw the photograph on her wall and she was more than happy to let him copy it.

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