LMS Route: Rugby to Wolverhampton

LMS Route: Hampton in Arden to Whitacre

Hampton - Derby Junction: lnwrhiaj707a

Close up of image 'lnwrhiaj707' showing the new LNWR down platform and passenger facilities which were apparently built at the same time as the new 'Hampton in Arden' station. The date of the structure can be discerned from the style of the down platform structure which was only introduced by the LNWR in the 1880s. The LNWR signal box seen at the end of the platform apparently is of a style which predates the platform structure. As can be seen the LNWR down platform is significantly higher off the ground than the middle and B&DJR platforms, which is another indicator of recent rebuilding by the LNWR.

The reason why the LNWR built another station a ¼ mile away rather than upgrade this location is unknown and open to conjecture. One view is that the new station, called Hampton in Arden to discriminate it from this joint station, was better located. The LNWR was upgrading parts of the route at the time coinciding with the opening of the branch between Berkswell and Kenilworth. Hampton was an affluent area and the timetable reflected this affluence as it enjoyed semi and express services to and from Birmingham and London. In addition goods facilities were required and these were built to the Coventry end of the new station.

The continuation of the existence of the Midland service to Whitacre and the LNWR's action of upgrading a station, which saw very little connecting traffic, might be explained by the legislation originally passed. Railways had a much greater significance than they do today. Not only were they designated a 'common carrier' meaning that they were compelled by law to carry ALL traffic and at a predetermined rate, they also had provide a minimum level of service both in the number of trains and fares charged. In all probability the effort, cost and lengthy procedure involved in closing the line resulted in the Midland operating a minium level of service for some seventy years after it lost its viability. The LNWR might too have been compelled to provide a connecting service forcing them to initially renew the station at a time they were building a new station a ¼ mile away. If so it would seem they could more easily extract themselves from their responsibilities.

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