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Tamworth Low Level Station

LMS Route: Trent Valley Line

General Introduction

Tamworth was a small market town and was historically split between Staffordshire and Warwickshire, with the county boundary running through the town centre although the station was within Warwickshire. Following the county boundary changes in 1887, the station lay just outside Warwickshire with the approaches to the station being within the county. Tamworth's original stations were provided first by the Birmingham & Derby Junction Railway (B&DJR) in 1839 - absorbed in to the Midland Railway (MR) in 1844 - and then shortly afterwards by the Trent Valley Railway (TVR), which was taken over by the LNWR before it opened in 1847. The Midland station was situated on the Birmingham to Derby line whilst the LNWR station was constructed at right angles immediately beneath. Their strategic relationship to each other can be ascertained by the construction of a connecting line joining between the two in June 1847 whereas the TVR was opened in September 1847. Tamworth's importance lay in the development of the Royal Mail services which with the Penny Post saw an immense expansion in this important service.

Being government traffic, the railways were obliged to provide services for the transportation of mail throughout the country which was also a lucrative commercial business. The layout of John William Livock's designed station building was from the outset meant to facilitate the transfer of mail and passengers between the two important routes with part of the TVR station providing a direct connection to the B&DJR station. This was later superceded by the LNWR mail lifts sited on either side of the TVR station which led up to the down Midland Railway platform. It should be noted that whereas the LNWR's up and down lines centered on London - with up traffic heading to the metropolis, the MR's focus was towards Derby, therefore the down line was Derby to Birmingham. Tamworth's importance as an exchange station saw some 2000 bags of mail being handled each night during the 1950s which necessitated many trains stopping at both stations with Powell Hendry et al reporting some 18 being provided by the LMS in each direction alone on the Midland line.

The Handbook of Railway Stations records that both the High Level and Low Level stations had the full range of services available. These are recorded as: Goods traffic; Passenger and Parcels traffic; Furniture Vans, Carriages, Portable Engines, and Machines on Wheels; Live Stock; Horse boxes and Prize Cattle Vans; Carriages by Passenger Trains (GPFLHC). Whereas the High Level station's goods yard was equipped with a 5 ton crane (probably inside the goods shed) the Low Level station's crane had double the lifting capacity being rated at 10 tons. As an illustration of how close was the County of Warwickshire's border can be assessed by the fact that whereas the High Level and Low Level stations are listed in the Handbook as being in Staffordshire, all of the private sidings listed under Tamworth were in Warwickshire. These were: ME Jackson (Gibbs & Canning's Brick and Pipeworks); Kettlebrook; R Lawrence (Glascote Colliery); R Patterson (Glascote Colliery Company's Amington Colliery); Tamworth Colliery Company (Glascote Colliery Company's Amington Colliery); Tamworth Colliery Company's Marshall's Siding; Tamworth Industrial Cooperative Society (Alders Paper Mills Siding); and Thompson & Southwark's Foundary (Kettlebrook).

Bob Essery noted in his caption to image 'lnwr_tam3642', a 1910 photograph showing a goods shed with both the LNWR & Midland Railway names displayed at Tamworth, that the two companies also shared road transport facilities. In this instance it was not just the traction engine but the trailer too as both carried the two companies' names. Of interest is the fact that the steam traction engine has the two names displayed as 'London North Western & Midland Railways' whilst the trailer displays the two names reversed, as 'Midland & London North Western Railways'. The difference might reflect the principal ownership of the two items. If this practice was followed through to the goods shed then its probably the High Level station's goods shed that is seen. If you note the style of its canopy, it has sides with curved valances, compared to images 'lnwr_tam3133' and 'lnwr_tam3644', you will note the latter images have canopies with valances on the sides that are primarily horizontal and diagonally straight. The only name visible is the LMS' as the photograph was taken after grouping. However if our assumption is correct, that the ownership of the shed can be derived by the first name, then it would be safe to assume that the latter images are of the Low Level station's goods shed.

Much of the information on this and other pages of Warwickshire Railways is derived from articles or books listed in our 'bibliography'.

Tamworth Low Level Station (109) Tamworth High Level (40) Report on 1870 Irish Mail Accident

Illustrated News lithograph view of the original 1847 Livock designed station showing an early LNWR 2-2-0 arriving at Tamworth
Ref: lnwr_tam1239
Illustrated News
View of the original 1847 Livock designed station showing an early LNWR 2-2-0 arriving at Tamworth
A late Victorian view with a mix of horse drawn vehicles evident including private and LNWR owned vehicles
Ref: lnwr_tam3134
Anon
A late Victorian view with a mix of horse drawn vehicles evident including private and LNWR owned vehicles
An Edwardian view of the station forecourt with the entrance to the goods yard on the left of the photograph
Ref: lnwr_tam3131
Anon
An Edwardian view of the station forecourt with the entrance to the goods yard on the left of the photograph
External view of Tamworth Low Level station with the connecting corridor to the High Level station seen on the right
Ref: lnwr_tam1255
Lens of Sutton
View of the main station building with the connecting corridor to the High Level station seen on the right
Looking across the station's four lines from the up platform to towards the down platform
Ref: lnwr_tam3132
Anon
Looking across the station's four lines from the up platform to towards the down platform

Close up showing the ornate two-storey building and part of the Midland Railway's High Level station on the bridge
Ref: lnwr_tam3132a
Anon
Close up showing the ornate two-storey building and part of the Midland Railway's High Level station on the bridge
Looking north towards Stafford from the High Level station with Tamworth's replacement up platform on the right
Ref: lnwr_tam1744
Preston-Hendry
Looking towards Stafford from the High Level station with Tamworth's replacement up platform on the right
Close up showing a goods train at exchange sidings after traversing the connecting line from Tamworth High level
Ref: lnwr_tam1744a
Preston-Hendry
Close up showing a goods train at exchange sidings after traversing the connecting line from Tamworth High level
Close up showing the station buildings on Tamworth's up platform which was well equipped with passenger facilities
Ref: lnwr_tam1744b
Preston-Hendry
Close up showing Tamworth's buildings on up platform which was well equipped with passenger facilities
Looking towards Nuneaton as an unidentified ex-LMS 4MT 2-6-0 locomotive passes alongside the down platform
Ref: lnwr_tam3136
Anon
Looking towards Nuneaton as an unidentified ex-LMS 4MT 2-6-0 locomotive passes alongside the down platform

View of Tamworth Low Level station during the early demolition work with the High Level station seen on the left
Ref: lnwr_tam1257
Anon
View of Tamworth Low Level station during the early demolition work with the High Level station seen on the left
Close up showing the platform side of Livock's main station building and an assortment of  trollies with both parcels and mail bags
Ref: lnwr_tam1257a
Anon
Close up showing the platform side of Livock's building and an assortment of trollies with both parcels and mail bags
Close up showing the extension to the down platform building which was built in a much more simple architectural style
Ref: lnwr_tam1257b
Anon
Close up of the extension on the down platform which was built in a much more simple architectural style
Looking towards Stafford as an unidentified Rebuilt Royal Scot Class Locomotive on an up express passes through the station
Ref: lnwr_tam3137
Anon
Looking towards Stafford as an unidentified Rebuilt Royal Scot on an up express passes through the station
Close up showing the down platform's roof with two lantern lights providing light to the platform beneath
Ref: lnwr_tam3137a
Anon
Close up showing the down platform's roof with two lantern lights providing light to the platform beneath

Close up showing the canopy roof to the up platform with its lantern light above the doors to the waiting rooms
Ref: lnwr_tam3137b
Anon
Close up showing the canopy roof to the up platform with its lantern light above the doors to the waiting rooms
Close up showing Tamworth No 2 signal box and the rail entrance leading to the goods yard and shed
Ref: lnwr_tam2346a
RS Carpenter
Close up showing Tamworth No 2 signal box and the rail entrance leading to the goods yard and shed
Close up showing some of the former MR High Level station's structures as viewed from the ex-LNWR station
Ref: lnwr_tam2353a
DJ Norton
Close up showing some of the former MR High Level station's structures as viewed from the ex-LNWR station
Looking towards Nuneaton and the disused Tamworth No 1 signal box from above the down slow line on 2nd June 1962
Ref: lnwr_tam2362
DJ Norton
Looking to Nuneaton and the disused Tamworth No 1 signal box from above the down slow line on 2nd June 1962
Looking along the rebuilt down platform towards Nuneaton with the disused No 1 Signal Cabin still evident
Ref: lnwr_tam3135
DJ Norton
Looking along the rebuilt down platform towards Nuneaton with the disused No 1 Signal Cabin still evident

A station porter gathers up parcels unloaded by the guard of a train from London on 8th September 1960
Ref: lnwr_tam3600
J Clayson
A station porter gathers up parcels unloaded by the guard of a train from London on 8th September 1960
A carpenter is seen removing the timbers forming the junction to the original platform on 8th September 1960
Ref: lnwr_tam3602
J Clayson
A carpenter removing the timbers forming the junction to the original platform on 8th September 1960
The station porter manfully pushes a fully laden porters trolley on the down platform on 8th September 1960
Ref: lnwr_tam3606
J Clayson
The station porter manfully pushes a fully laden porters trolley on the down platform on 8th September 1960
A two-car Diesel Multiple Unit stands at the down platform ready to depart for Stafford on 8th September 1960
Ref: lnwr_tam3606
J Clayson
A two-car Diesel Multiple Unit stands at the down platform ready to depart for Stafford on 8th September 1960
Schoolboys look on at the Poster forbidding them to trainspot at Tamworth stations in the 1950s
Ref: lnwr_tam3643
Anon
Schoolboys read the Poster forbidding them to trainspot any more at both Tamworth stations in the 1950s

A posed LMS photograph showing the cartage power available at Tamworth station's goods shed
Ref: lnwr_tam3642
R Essery
A 1910 photograph showing the LNWR & MR at Tamworth shared road transport facilities as well at the Goods Depot
A posed British Railways photograph showing the cartage power available at Tamworth station's goods shed
Ref: lnwr_tam3133
Anon
A posed BR photograph showing the cartage power available at Tamworth station's goods shed
Another posed photograph taken to show the transport facilities available at Tamworth Good Depot
Ref: lnwr_tam3644
Anon
Another posed photograph taken to show the transport facilities available at Tamworth Good Depot
View of the station master's house at Tamworth station which also included an annex providing other railway staff with accommodation
Ref: lnwr_tam1743
RS Carpenter
Station master's house at Tamworth which also included an accommodation annex for other railway staff

The Connections, actual and proposed, between the MR and LNWR Tamworth Stations 1928

The following information was obtained courtesy of the London North Western Railway Society and is from article published in the Society's Journal Volume 8 No 3 December 2015.

The Tamworth Chord Lines

We start with a short piece written by member George Huxley exposing the mystery surrounding lines around Tamworth. There then follows the result of further work by Robin Mathams and Dave Barrett as part of their Trent Valley Railway History Project. - LNWR Society Editor.

Tamworth East Curve - Notes and a Question by George Huxley

The Tamworth west curve is well known: it ran from north to west linking the Midland Railway with the LNWR Trent Valley line. The boundary between the two companies was about half way along the curve. From the end-on junction the London & North Western had running powers over the Midland to Derby for all traffic with the use of stations other than the MR's goods stations at Burton on Trent and Derby. The curve opened in 1847 and closed in 1969 [see John Cough, The Midland Railway: A Chronology (Mold 1989) pp2-5 and 209].

There was, however, also an east curve. This extended from a position to the north of Tamworth Midland station close to the Stafford-Warwick County Boundary to a junction with the Trent Valley line east of Tamworth LNWR station. The curve was built under the Midland Railway (Branches etc) Act of 1866. Track was laid and was ready to open, but the junction at the Trent Valley end was never completed [Cough, ibid p209J. An 'Ordnance Survey' survey of 19(11 shows the curve intact but with the words 'Railway Dismantled'; the survey is reproduced in Vic Mitchell and Keith Smith, Tamworth to Derby (Midhurst 2015) Map III. The Midland Railway Distance Diagram for the Tamworth District of 1921 (Sheet 26A) describes the curve as 'not laid'. I lad the tracks been connected the Midland would have been, it may be supposed, the owner as far as the Trent Vallev Junction, since the line was built under the 1866 Act giving powers to the MR. Cough states that the rails were removed about 1878. Why was the connection never made?

The Tamworth Chord lines By Robin Mathams and Dave Barrett

The West Chord

The Trent Valley Railway (TVR) proposed a branch line from Armitage to the Midland line at Alrewas to provide a better route from the North-west to the East Midlands, but the Alrewas Branch was excluded from the TVR's Parliamentary Bill, which may have been the reason the Tamworth west chord was built - as an alternative. However, as yet, no evidence has been found to support this and there is certainly no clue from the TVR Co Board minutes and other documents. There were later efforts to get parliamentary approval for the branch including the raising of finance, but these all came to naught and the reason why has not yet been found.

In May 1846, the London & Birmingham's Trent Committee (TC) - the L&B had by now bought the TVR - considered the draft agreement with the Midland Railway for the west chord, the arrangements being recommended for acceptance by Thomas Gooch, TVR chief engineer. The TC transferred to the LNWR on its formation and continued to manage the building of the Railway.

On 3rd June 1847 a Trent Sub-Committee appointed to negotiate with the Midland Railway regarding the west curve recommended: 'That additional purchase of land at Tamworth be approved - and that every possible dispatch be used in completing the junction', and a week later, on Thursday 10th June, the TC minuted Mr Gooch's report: The junction line at Tamworth will be completed on Saturday evening next [12th June], and I have written to Mr Barlow [Chief Engineer of the Midland Railway] to put in the points at once to connect with the Midland line'. Mr Gooch's stated urgency was well justified because the TVR planned opening was set for June, then delayed until September because of the compound-girder bridge strengthening, although the opening ceremony went ahead at Tamworth as planned on June 26th.

Also, on 10th June the LNWR Goods Agent reported: 'At Tamworth, I consider that there will be needed plenty of siding and accommodation for loading and trains to and from the Midland Railway as there will be considerable weight in trains that now pass via Birmingham to Derby, Leicester and Nottingham...will have to pass over the incline junction that is being made by your company, and without sidings to dispose of such trains there would be much inconvenience.' This evidence indicates that, because considerable goods traffic to/from the North-west would be diverted over the steeply-inclined chord, LNWR sidings would be required for loading, and marshalling smaller trains to enable locomotives to cope. The chord was single track about 10 chains (220 yards) in length.

In 1849 the LNWR gained an additional link to the Midland via the chord line at Lichfield to the South Staffs line; the link is still in use today.

The East Chord

As George Huxley outlines, it is somewhat shrouded in mystery and we agree. Of the chord, George states it was built under the Midland Railway (Branches) Act of 1866 which suggests it was a Midland Railway proposal rather than one of the LNWR. The earthworks for the potential junction with the Trent Line at 109m 35ch at Bole Hall appear on the LNWR 1880 asset survey and George quotes John Cough who states the rails were removed in 1878, which is why the OS map of 1901 has the curve marked as 'dismantled'. The 1880 LNWR survey shows a signal box in existence for the junction on the Down side of the main line - it is marked 'unused' - and the Down line junction signal is also shown and these two pieces of evidence appear to verify work on the connection was well advanced, but then halted for some reason. The 1901 OS map shows no signal box at the potential junction, which indicates demolition by then. The chord would have been around 50 chains (1/2 mile +) long and the earthworks suggest it was double-track and the parts of the embankment which survive are marked on today's OS maps.

What was its purpose and why was it never connected? The only plausible reason seems to be to provide an alternative route from the Midland line to/from the south which avoided Coventry and Birmingham, there being a route from Burton to Nuneaton, and as it was built under a Midland Railway Act as outlined earlier, it suggests it was a Midland proposal - or was it the LNWR's and the Midland offered to get the Parliamentary approval using its 1866 Act? As the presence of the unused signal-box and junction signals on the LNWR Trent line indicate the line was to be connected, did the LNWR then review its business case and decide against it? Or did the Midland do the same? Or was there a falling-out between the LNWR and the Midland? Whatever, the portion of the line as built appears to have had a very short life of probably less than 12 years. The hunt for further evidence goes on...

Aerial View of the two Tamworth Stations 1928

An aerial view of Tamworth High Level and Low Level stations and the connecting line between the two
Ref: lnwr_tam3642
Britain from Above
An aerial view of Tamworth High Level and Low Level stations and the connecting line between the two
Close up showing the rear of the Up platform of the Midland Railway's station, now known as Tamworth High Level
Ref: lnwr_tam3642a
Britain from Above
Close up of the rear of the Up platform of the Midland Railway's station, now known as Tamworth High Level
Close up showing the goods yard located slightly to the West of the former LNWR Station's Down platform
Ref: lnwr_tam3642b
Britain from Above
Close up showing the goods yard located slightly to the West of the former LNWR Station's Down platform
Close up showing the East side of Tamworth Low Level station and the Pump House and Water Tank
Ref: lnwr_tam3642c
Britain from Above
Close up of the East side of Tamworth Low Level station and the Pump House and Water Tank

Locomotives seen at or near Tamworth Low Level station

Locomotives seen prior to grouping (1923)

LNWR 5XP 4-6-0 Claughton class No 2035 'Private E Sykes VC' stands at the up platform at the head of a semi-fast express to Euston
Ref: lnwr_tam1241
RS Carpenter
LNWR 5XP 4-6-0 No 2035 'Private E Sykes VC' stands at the head of a semi-fast express to Euston
LNWR 4-6-0 Experiment class No 2627 'President Lincoln' is seen at the head of the 10 05 am Euston to Perth express as it passes a line of Tamworth Colliery wagons
Ref: lnwr_tam1244
RS Carpenter
LNWR 4-6-0 Experiment Class No 2627 'President Lincoln' approaches Tamworth on the 10:05 am express to Perth
LNWR 2F 0-6-0 'Cauliflower' class No 1235 is seen passing Tamworth's distinctive Pump House on a down local passenger train
Ref: lnwr_tam1250
HL Salmon
LNWR 2F 0-6-0 'Cauliflower' class No 1235 passing Tamworth's Pump House on a down local passenger train
LNWR 3P 4-4-0 George Fifth class No 82 'Charles Dickens' is seen standing at Tamworth's up platform at the head of an express service
Ref: lnwr_tam1256
RS Carpenter
LNWR 3P 4-4-0 George Fifth class No 82 'Charles Dickens' stands at the up platform at the head of an express
Great Northern Railway 4-4-2 No 1449 is seen passing Tamworth's Pump House at the head of the 10 am Euston to Glasgow express service
Ref: lnwr_tam1251
CB Harley
GNR 4-4-2 No 1449 passes Tamworth's Pump House at the head of the 10 am Euston to Glasgow express service

LNWR 1P 2-4-0 Precedent class No 1672 'Talavera' is seen standing at the up platform on a Stafford to Rugby local passenger service
Ref: lnwr_tam1245
RS Carpenter
LNWR 1P 2-4-0 No 1672 'Talavera' stands at the up platform on a Stafford to Rugby local passenger service
LNWR 1P 2-4-0 Precedent class No 1519 'Duchess' is seen standing light engine near Tamworth good's yard circa 1924
Ref: lnwr_tam1246
RS Carpenter
LNWR 1P 2-4-0 Precedent class No 1519 'Duchess' is seen standing light engine near Tamworth good's yard
LNWR 2-4-0 Improved Precedent No 1676 'The Nile' is seen standing at the up platform on a up semi-fast express service circa 1901
Ref: lnwr_tam1261
LGRP
LNWR 2-4-0 No 1676 'The Nile' is seen standing at the up platform on a up semi-fast express service circa 1901
LNWR 2F 0-6-0 'Cauliflower' class No 143 is seen standing in the yard in Tamworth's goods yard as the fireman opens the tool box
Ref: lnwr_tam1248
RS Carpenter
LNWR 2F 0-6-0 No 143 is seen standing in the yard in Tamworth's goods yard as the fireman opens the tool box
LNWR 1P 2-4-0 Precedent class No 381 'Patterdale' is seen waiting for the off whilst at the head of a Stafford to Rugby local passenger service
Ref: lnwr_tam1249
RS Carpenter
LNWR 1P 2-4-0 Precedent class No 381 'Patterdale' at the head of a Stafford to Rugby local passenger service

LNWR 4-4-0 Alfred the Great class No 1956 'Illustrious'  is seen on a down mixed goods train with cattle trucks immediately behind the tender
Ref: lnwr_tam1243
RS Carpenter
LNWR 4-4-0 Benbow class No 1956 'Illustrious' on a down through goods train with cattle trucks behind the tender
LNWR 2P 4-6-0 Experiment class No 1455 'Herefordshire' is seen double-heading LNWR 4-6-0 Prince of Wales class No 268 approaching Tamworth station
Ref: lnwr_tam1237
RS Carpenter
LNWR 2P 4-6-0 Experiment class No 1455 'Herefordshire' double-heads LNWR 4-6-0 Prince of Wales class No 268
LNWR 7F 0-8-0 G2a class No 2034 is seen on the fast line at the head of a train of empty wagons as it approaches Tamworth
Ref: lnwr_tam1253
RS Carpenter
LNWR 7F 0-8-0 No 2034 is seen on the fast line at the head of a train of empty wagons near Tamworth
A pair of unidentified LNWR 2-2-2-0 Webb Compound locomotives are seen at the head of an up express service as the train enters Tamworth station
Ref: lnwr_tam1258
RS Carpenter
A pair of unidentified LNWR 2-2-2-0 Webb Compound locomotives are seen at the head of an up express service
LNWR 2P 4-4-0 Renown class No 1946 'Diadem' is seen approaching Tamworth station at the head of a local Rugby to Stafford passenger service
Ref: lnwr_tam1259
Anon
LNWR 2P 4-4-0 Renown class No 1946 'Diadem' approaches Tamworth station at the head of a local service Stafford

LNWR 4-6-0 Claughton class No 163 'Holland Hibbert' is seen standing at Tamworth station at the head of a down express train
Ref: lnwr_tam1242
RS Carpenter
LNWR 4-6-0 Claughton class No 163 'Holland Hibbert' standing at Tamworth at the head of a down express train
LNWR 4-6-0 Compound No 170, a member of the 1400 class nicknamed Bill Baileys, is seen standing along side Tamworth's Pump House
Ref: lnwr_tam1262
Anon
LNWR 4-6-0 Compound No 170, a member of the 1400 class is seen standing along side Tamworth's Pump House
An unidentified LNWR 4-6-0 Claughton class locomotive is seen travelling at speed through Tamworth station on a down express
Ref: lnwr_tam1270
Real Photos
An unidentified LNWR 4-6-0 Claughton class locomotive is seen travelling at speed through Tamworth station
LNWR 2-8-0 Class E No 2558, with fireman acting as lookout, is seen running tender first near Tamworth on a long train of coal wagons
Ref: lnwr_tam1238
WL Good
LNWR 2-8-0 Class E No 2558 is seen running tender first near Tamworth on a long train of coal wagons
LNWR 2P 4-6-0 Experiment class No 1991 'Palmerston' is seen approaching Tamworth with a local Rugby to Stafford service
Ref: lnwr_tam1247
RS Carpenter
LNWR 2P 4-6-0 Experiment class No 1991 'Palmerston' approaching Tamworth with a local Rugby to Stafford service

LNWR 4P Prince of Wales Class 4-6-0 No 145 passes through Tamworth on a down  Euston to Carlisle express
Ref: lnwr_tam2360
LGRP
LNWR 4P Prince of Wales Class 4-6-0 No 145 passes through Tamworth on a down Euston to Carlisle express
An unidentified LNWR 0-8-0 'G1' class locomotive passes through Tamworth on the down fast line circa 1923
Ref: lnwr_tam3138
Anon
An unidentified LNWR 0-8-0 'G1' class locomotive passes through Tamworth on the down fast line circa 1923
An unidentified LNWR 2-4-0 'Improved Precedent' class locomotive on an ordinary passenger service near Tamworth
Ref: lnwr_tam3139
Anon
An unidentified LNWR 2-4-0 'Improved Precedent' class locomotive on an ordinary passenger service
LNWR 2-4-0 Improved Precedent class No 790 'Hardwicke' stands at Tamworth with an up stopping service
Ref: lnwr_tam3140
Anon
LNWR 2-4-0 Improved Precedent class No 790 'Hardwicke' at Tamworth with an up stopping service
LNWR 'B' class 2-8-0 4-cylinder compound No 1017 passes through Tamworth on an up freight service
Ref: lnwr_tam3141
Anon
Ex-LNWR 2-8-0 4-cylinder compound No 1017 passes through Tamworth on an up freight service

Ex-LNWR 2P 4-6-0 'Experiment' class No 5491 'Prince George' stands at Tamworth on an up stopping train
Ref: lnwr_tam3145
Anon
Ex-LNWR 2P 4-6-0 'Experiment' class No 5491 'Prince George' at Tamworth on an up stopping train
LNWR 4-4-0 No 188 George V 'Penmaenmawr' passes through Tamworth on a down parcels service
Ref: lnwr_tam3645
J Alsop
LNWR 4-4-0 No 188 George V 'Penmaenmawr' passes through Tamworth on a down parcels service
Ex-LNWR 0-6-0ST Special Tank No 7379 is seen taking water at Tamworth Low Level circa 1931
Ref: lnwr_tam3128
RAS QF785
Ex-LNWR 0-6-0ST Special Tank No 7379 is seen taking water at Tamworth Low Level circa 1931

Locomotives seen during grouping (1923 to 1947)

Ex-LNWR 7F 0-8-0 G2a class No 9276 is seen on the slow line at the head of an express goods with unfitted stock as it approaches Tamworth circa 1929
Ref: lnwr_tam1254
WL Good
Ex-LNWR 7F 0-8-0 G2a class No 9276 on an unfitted express goods approaching Tamworth circa 1929
Ex-LNWR 4P 4-6-0 Prince of Wales class locomotive No 25627 'Lewis Carrol' is seen approaching Tamworth station at the head of a down parcels train
Ref: lnwr_tam1260
RS Carpenter
Ex-LNWR 4P 4-6-0 Prince of Wales class No 25627 'Lewis Carrol' approaches Tamworth at the head of a parcels train
Ex-LNWR 7F 0-8-0 G2a class No 9278 is seen on the fast line at the head of an express mixed goods train approaching Tamworth in August 1929
Ref: lnwr_tam1252
WL Good
Ex-LNWR 7F 0-8-0 G2a class No 9278 is seen on the fast line at the head of an express mixed goods train
Ex-LNWR 4-4-0 Precursor class No 5308 'Simmon' is seen waiting for the off at Tamworth on an up express service to Euston
Ref: lnwr_tam1748
M Bentley
Ex-LNWR 4-4-0 Precursor class No 5308 'Simmon' waits for the off at Tamworth on an up express service to Euston
Ex-LNWR 4-6-0 Prince of Wales class No 5859 double-heads an unidentified classmate on a down express service as it proceeeds through Tamworth station
Ref: lnwr_tam1264
Real Photos
Ex-LNWR 4-6-0 Prince of Wales class No 5859 double-heads an unidentified classmate on a down express

LMS 4-6-0 No 6100 'Royal Scot', the first of the class, is in charge of an Up express just south of Tamworth
Ref: lnwr_tam3636
M Morant
LMS 4-6-0 No 6100 'Royal Scot', the first of the class, is in charge of an Up express just south of Tamworth
LMS 'Royal Scot' class 4-6-0 No 6102 'Black Watch is seen at the head of an up express at Tamworth
Ref: lnwr_tam3637
M Morant
LMS 'Royal Scot' class 4-6-0 No 6102 'Black Watch is seen at the head of an up express at Tamworth
LMS 'Royal Scot' class 4-6-0 No 6112 'Sherwood Forester' is in charge of an up express at Tamworth
Ref: lnwr_tam3638
M Morant
LMS 'Royal Scot' class 4-6-0 No 6112 'Sherwood Forester' is in charge of an up express at Tamworth
LMS 'Royal Scot' class 4-6-0 No 6134 'Atlas' is at the head of an up express at Tamworth
Ref: lnwr_tam3639
M Morant
LMS 'Royal Scot' class 4-6-0 No 6134 'Atlas' is seen at the head of an up express south of Tamworth
An unknown LMS 'Royal Scot' class locomotive is seen with experimental smoke deflectors at Tamworth
Ref: lnwr_tam3640
M Morant
An unknown LMS 'Royal Scot' class locomotive is seen with experimental smoke deflectors at Tamworth

Another unidentified LMS 4-6-0 'Royal Scot' class locomotive races south of Tamworth on an up express service
Ref: lnwr_tam3648
M Morant
Another unidentified LMS 4-6-0 'Royal Scot' class locomotive races south of Tamworth on an up express service
An unidentified LMS 4-6-0 'Royal Scot' class locomotive has injectors on when working an up express service
Ref: lnwr_tam3649
M Morant
An unidentified LMS 4-6-0 'Royal Scot' class locomotive has injectors on when working an up express service
An ex-L&Y Hughes designed 4-6-0 locomotive passes Tamworth Water Tower on a down express service
Ref: lnwr_tam3650
M Morant
An ex-L&Y Hughes designed 4-6-0 locomotive passes Tamworth Water Tower on a down express service
Ex-LMS 4P 2-6-4T No 2320 is seen heading an up Class 3 service to the south of Tamworth
Ref: lnwr_tam3651
M Morant
Ex-LMS 4P 2-6-4T No 2320 is seen heading an up Class 3 service to the south of Tamworth
LMS 4-6-0 No 6135 'Samson'  is seen heading a heavily laden Up express service at Tamworth
Ref: lnwr_tam3652
M Morant
LMS 4-6-0 No 6135 'Samson' is seen heading a heavily laden Up express service at Tamworth

LMS  'Royal Scot' class 4-6-0 No 6136 'Goliath' is seen with an up express service south of Tamworth
Ref: lnwr_tam3653
M Morant
LMS 'Royal Scot' class 4-6-0 No 6136 'Goliath' is seen with an up express service south of Tamworth
LMS 4-6-0 4P Prince of Wales class No 5838 passes through Tamworth on the Down Scotch express circa 1923
Ref: lnwr_tam3647
J Alsop
LMS 4-6-0 4P Prince of Wales class No 5838 passes through Tamworth on the Down Scotch express
LMS 4-6-0 5XP No 5500 'Patriot' is seen piloting an unidentified LMS 4-6-0 'Black Five' near Tamworth station
Ref: lnwr_tam3143
Anon
LMS 4-6-0 5XP No 5500 'Patriot' is seen piloting an unidentified LMS 4-6-0 'Black Five' near Tamworth station
An unidentified ex-Midland Railway 0-4-0T '1528' class locomotive has been overwhelmed by its load of coal wagons
Ref: lnwr_tam3130
Anon
An unidentified ex-MR 0-4-0T '1528' class locomotive has been overwhelmed by its load of coal wagons

Locomotives seen post nationalisation (1947)

Ex-LMS 5XP 4-6-0 Patriot class No 45533 'Lord Rathmore', with steam blowing hard from its safety valves, is seen ready for the off
Ref: lnwr_tam1741
B Bill
Ex-LMS 5XP 4-6-0 No 45533 'Lord Rathmore' is ready for the off with steam blowing hard from its safety valves
Ex-LMS 2-8-0 8F No 48134 is seen passing under the bridge carrying the former MR Derby to Birmingham line
Ref: lnwr_tam2103
CA Clayson
Ex-LMS 2-8-0 8F No 48134 passes under the former MR Derby to Birmingham line on 8th September 1960
An unidentified LMS Class 5 4-6-0 locomotive leaving Tamworth on an up express service on 11th June 1935
Ref: lnwr_tam2345
RS Carpenter
An unidentified LMS Class 5 4-6-0 locomotive leaving Tamworth on an up express service on 11th June 1935
Ex-LMS 5XP 4-6-0 Jubilee class No 45638 'Zanzibar' is seen standing at Tamworth Low Level's up platform with an express service for Euston
Ref: lnwr_tam1740
B Bill
Ex-LMS 5XP 4-6-0 No 45638 'Zanzibar' stands at Tamworth Low Level's up platform with an express service for Euston
Ex-LMS Princess Coronation Class 8P 4-6-2 No 46234 'Duchess of Abercorn' passes the water tower at the head of 'The Caledonian'
Ref: lnwr_tam2106
CA Clayson
Ex-LMS 8P 4-6-2 No 46234 'Duchess of Abercorn' passes the water tower at the head of 'The Caledonian'

Ex-LMS 5MT 4-6-0 No 44910 passes Tamworth's Pump House on an up express freight on 16th April 1949
Ref: lnwr_tam2354
DJ Norton
Ex-LMS 5MT 4-6-0 No 44910 passes Tamworth's Pump House on an up express freight on 16th April 1949
Ex-LMS 5MT 4-6-0 No 45032 stands at Tamworth Low Level station waiting to take forward an express service to Euston
Ref: lnwr_tam1742
B Bill
Ex-LMS 5MT 4-6-0 No 45032 stands at Tamworth Low Level station waiting to take forward an express service to Euston
Ex-LMS 8F 2-8-0 is seen at the head of a down coal train as it approaches Tamworth Low Level station on 22nd August 1965
Ref: lnwr_tam2361
W Wright
Ex-LMS 8F 2-8-0 No 48681 at the head of a down coal train approaching Tamworth station on 22nd August 1965
Ex-LMS 2P 4-4-0 No 40552 passes Tamworth No 2 signal box on a down train during the mid-1950s
Ref: lnwr_tam2346
RS Carpenter
Ex-LMS 2P 4-4-0 No 40552 passes Tamworth No 2 signal box on a down train during the mid-1950s
Ex-War Department 2-8-0 No 90512 is seen being re-railed adjacent to Tamworth No 2 signal box on 28th April 1951
Ref: lnwr_tam2347
HC Casserley
Ex-WD 2-8-0 No 90512 is seen being re-railed adjacent to Tamworth No 2 signal box on 28th April 1951

Ex-LMS 5XP 4-6-0 No 45510 pilots ex-LMS 7P 4-6-0 No 46100 'Royal Scot' on an up express near Tamworth
Ref: lnwr_tam2348
RS Carpenter
Ex-LMS 5XP 4-6-0 No 45510 pilots ex-LMS 7P 4-6-0 No 46100 'Royal Scot' on an up express near Tamworth
Ex-LMS 6P 4-6-0 No 45523 'Bangor' storms through Tamworth station on an up express service
Ref: lnwr_tam2349
RS Carpenter
Ex-LMS 6P 4-6-0 No 45523 'Bangor' storms through Tamworth station on an up express service
Ex-LMS 7P 4-6-0 No 46135 'The East Lancashire Regiment' thunders through Tamworth on a down express on 16th April 1949
Ref: lnwr_tam2364
DJ Norton
Ex-LMS 7P 4-6-0 No 46135 'The East Lancashire Regiment' thunders through Tamworth on a down express
An unknown Class 24 Diesel locomotive pilots ex-LMS 5XP 4-6-0 No 45689 'Ajax' during the early 1960s
Ref: lnwr_tam2351
J Neave
An unknown Class 24 Diesel locomotive pilots ex-LMS 5XP 4-6-0 No 45689 'Ajax' during the early 1960s
Ex-LMS 8P 4-6-2 No 46249 'City of Sheffield' storms past on the fast down line at the head of the Mid-day Scot
Ref: lnwr_tam2352
R Conway
Ex-LMS 8P 4-6-2 No 46249 'City of Sheffield' storms past on the fast down line at the head of the Mid-day Scot

Ex-LMS 7P 4-6-2 No 46203 'Princess Margaret Rose' passes on the up fast line at the head an Euston express
Ref: lnwr_tam2353
DJ Norton
Ex-LMS 7P 4-6-2 No 46203 'Princess Margaret Rose' passes on the up fast line at the head an Euston express
Ex-LMS 5MT 4-6-0 No 45380 on a down Trent Valley local service passeing Tamworth Pumping station
Ref: lnwr_tam2359
W Wright
Ex-LMS 5MT 4-6-0 No 45380 on a down Trent Valley local service passeing Tamworth Pumping station
British Railways built Ivatt Class 4MT 2-6-0 No 43003 runs tender first on a Trent Valley local passenger service
Ref: lnwr_tam2356
W Wright
British Railways built Ivatt Class 4MT 2-6-0 No 43003 runs tender first on a Trent Valley local passenger service
Ex-LMS 2P 4-4-0 No 40659 passes Tamworth No 1 signal box on the 4:39pm Nuneaton to Lichfield local passenger service
Ref: lnwr_tam2357
W Wright
Ex-LMS 2P 4-4-0 No 40659 passes Tamworth No 1 signal box on the 4:39pm Nuneaton to Lichfield local service
Ex-LMS rebuilt Patriot Class 4-6-0 No 45521 'Rhyl' leaves Tamworth on an up express on 12th February 1957
Ref: lnwr_tam2363
J Payne
Ex-LMS rebuilt Patriot Class 4-6-0 No 45521 'Rhyl' leaves Tamworth on an up express on 12th February 1957

Ex-LMS 4-6-2 8P No 46247 'City of of Liverpool' approaches the north end of Tamworth on 17th May 1948
Ref: lnwr_tam3124
HMRS AES918
Ex-LMS 4-6-2 8P No 46247 'City of of Liverpool' approaches the north end of Tamworth on 17th May 1948
 Ex-LMS 6P 4-6-0 Rebuilt Patriot class No 5521 'Rhyl' passes through Tamworth on the down Liverpool service
Ref: lnwr_tam3125
HMRS AES919
Ex-LMS 6P 4-6-0 Rebuilt Patriot class No 5521 'Rhyl' passes through Tamworth on the down Liverpool service
Ex-LMS 4-6-0 6P Rebuilt Royal Scot No 6160 'Queen Victoria's Rifleman' at speed on the down Manchester service
Ref: lnwr_tam3126
HMRS
Ex-LMS 4-6-0 6P Rebuilt Royal Scot No 6160 'Queen Victoria's Rifleman' on the down Manchester service
British Railways built Class 4MT 2-6-0 No 43003 stands at Tamworth on an up local passenger service for Rugby
Ref: lnwr_tam3129
W Wright
British Railways built Class 4MT 2-6-0 No 43003 stands at Tamworth on an up local passenger service for Rugby
Ex-LMS 6P Royal Scot Class No 46155 'The Lancer' is seen standing at Tamworth on an up express service to Euston
Ref: lnwr_tam3142
Anon
Ex-LMS 6P Royal Scot Class No 46155 'The Lancer' is seen standing at Tamworth on an up express service to Euston

Ex-LMS 4-6-2 8P No 46243 'City of of Lancaster' enters Tamworth low level on the up Royal Scot on 12th May 1948
Ref: lnwr_tam3127
HMRS AES905
Ex-LMS 4-6-2 8P No 46243 'City of of Lancaster' enters Tamworth low level on the up Royal Scot on 12th May 1948
Ex-LMS 4-6-0 6P Rebuilt Royal Scot No 6138 'The London Irish Rifleman' on the up Liverpool express service
Ref: lnwr_tam2366
HMRS AES916
Ex-LMS 4-6-0 6P Rebuilt Royal Scot No 6138 'The London Irish Rifleman' on the up Liverpool express service
BR AC Electric AL5 Bo-Bo E3090  is seen passing through the station on a down Emerald Isle Express on 11th May 1965
Ref: lnwr_tam2367
HMRS AES917
Ex-LMS 6P Rebuilt Royal Scot No 6101 'Royal Scots Grey' approaches Tamworth on a down Blackpool express
Ex-LMS 4-6-0 5XP Patriot Class No 45501 'St Dunstans' passes through Tamworth on an up service
Ref: lnwr_tam3144
Anon
Ex-LMS 4-6-0 5XP Patriot Class No 45501 'St Dunstans' passes through Tamworth on an up service
BR AC Electric AL5 Bo-Bo E3090  is seen passing through the station on a down Emerald Isle Express on 11th May 1965
Ref: lnwr_tam2673
W Wright
BR AC Electric AL5 Bo-Bo E3090 is seen passing through the station on a down Emerald Isle Express

British Railway 8P 4-6-2 No 46202 'Princess Anne' passes Tamworth's water tower on a down express service
Ref: lnwr_tam3646
G Coltas
British Railway 8P 4-6-2 No 46202 'Princess Anne' passes Tamworth's water tower on a down express
British Railway 8P 4-6-2 No 46202 'Princess Anne' passes Tamworth's water tower on a down express service
Ref: lnwr_tam3635
J Turner
Ex-LMS 4-6-0 5MT No 45187 runs through Tamworth Low Level station with a Class D freight service in 1958

Ordnance Survey Maps and schematic diagrams of both the Low and High Level stations

An 1883 25 inch to the mile Ordnance Survey Map showing both the LNWR and MR stations and goods yards
Ref: mrthl1805
National Library of Scotland
An 1883 25 inch to the mile Ordnance Survey Map showing both the LNWR and MR stations and goods yards
An 1883 25 inch to the mile Ordnance Survey Map showing the LNWR station, goods yard and signal cabins
Ref: mrthl1806
National Library of Scotland
An 1883 25 inch to the mile Ordnance Survey Map showing the LNWR station, goods yard and signal cabins
An 1883 25 inch to the mile Ordnance Survey Map showing the MR station, goods yard and turntable
Ref: mrthl1807
National Library of Scotland
An 1883 25 inch to the mile Ordnance Survey Map showing the MR station, goods yard and turntable
An 1883 25 inch to the mile Ordnance Survey Map showing the formation of the link between the two lines
Ref: mrthl1808
National Library of Scotland
An 1883 25 inch to the mile Ordnance Survey Map showing the formation of the link between the two lines
A 1900 25 inch to the mile Ordnance Survey Map showing both the LNWR and MR stations and goods yards
Ref: mrthl1809
National Library of Scotland
A 1900 25 inch to the mile Ordnance Survey Map showing both the LNWR and MR stations and goods yards

A 1900 25 inch to the mile Ordnance Survey Map showing the MR station, goods yard and turntable
Ref: mrthl1810
National Library of Scotland
A 1900 25 inch to the mile Ordnance Survey Map showing the MR station, goods yard and turntable
A 1900 25 inch to the mile Ordnance Survey Map showing the LNWR station, goods yard and signal cabins
Ref: mrthl1817
National Library of Scotland
A 1900 25 inch to the mile Ordnance Survey Map showing the LNWR station, goods yard and signal cabins
A 1921 25 inch to the mile Ordnance Survey Map showing both the LNWR and MR stations and goods yards
Ref: mrthl1811
National Library of Scotland
A 1921 25 inch to the mile Ordnance Survey Map showing both the LNWR and MR stations and goods yards
A 1921 25 inch to the mile Ordnance Survey Map showing the LNWR station, goods yard and signal cabins
Ref: mrthl1812
National Library of Scotland
A 1921 25 inch to the mile Ordnance Survey Map showing the LNWR station, goods yard and signal cabins
BR Type 4 1Co-Co1 D83 passes through Tamworth on the 4:45pm Bradford to New Street express service
Ref: mrthl1813
National Library of Scotland
A 1921 25 inch to the mile Ordnance Survey Map showing the MR station, goods yard and turntable

A 1938 25 inch to the mile Ordnance Survey Map showing both the LNWR and MR stations and goods yards
Ref: mrthl1814
National Library of Scotland
A 1938 25 inch to the mile Ordnance Survey Map showing both the LNWR and MR stations and goods yards
A 1938 25 inch to the mile Ordnance Survey Map showing the LNWR station, goods yard and signal cabins
Ref: mrthl1815
National Library of Scotland
A 1938 25 inch to the mile Ordnance Survey Map showing the LNWR station, goods yard and signal cabins
A 1938 25 inch to the mile Ordnance Survey Map showing the MR station, goods yard and turntable
Ref: mrthl1816
National Library of Scotland
A 1938 25 inch to the mile Ordnance Survey Map showing the MR station, goods yard and turntable
View of the layout of Tamworth's High Level Midland station and the LNWR's Low Level stations including connecting spur
Ref: lnwr_tam1745
Powell-Hendry
Layout of Tamworth's High Level Midland station and the LNWR's Low Level stations including connecting spur
A schematic diagram of Tamworth High Level station in its 1962 rebuilt state with the up platform lengthened adjacent to the former cattle dock
Ref: mrthl1833
Powell Hendry
A diagram of the High Level station in its rebuilt state with the up platform lengthened next to the former cattle dock

Close up showing Tamworth High Level station's up platform which has been lengthened adjacent to the former cattle dock
Ref: mrthl1833a
Powell Hendery
Close up of the High Level station's up platform which has been lengthened adjacent to the former cattle dock
A copy of the 1935 LMS ‘B' plan which shows a number of interesting features being adopted at Tamworth High Level station
Ref: mrthl1837
Powell Hendry
A copy of the 1935 LMS ‘B' plan which shows a number of interesting features being adopted at Tamworth High Level station
A Midland Distance Diagram showing the juxtaposition of Tamworth with Wilnecote and Kingsbury stations
Ref: mrthl1115
Midland Railway
A Midland Distance Diagram showing the juxtaposition of Tamworth with Wilnecote and Kingsbury stations
Midland Distance Diagram showing Tamworth's Midland Goods facilities adjacent to the LNWR Goods facilities
Ref: mrthl1115a
Midland Railway
Midland Distance Diagram showing Tamworth's Midland Goods facilities adjacent to the LNWR Goods facilities
View of the layout of Tamworth's High Level Midland station and the LNWR's Low Level stations including connecting spur
Ref: lnwr_tam1745
Powell-Hendry
Layout of Tamworth's High Level Midland station and the LNWR's Low Level stations including connecting spur
Close up showing location of the Pump House, the Battery shed, and the redundant Tamworth No 1 Signal Cabin
Ref: lnwr_tam1745
Powell-Hendry
Close up showing location of the Pump House, the Battery shed, and the redundant Tamworth No 1 Signal Cabin
Close up of the access to the goods yard off the up slow line and the connection to the MR off the down slow line
Ref: lnwr_tam1745b
Powell-Hendry
Close up of the access to the goods yard off the up slow line and the connection to the MR off the down slow line
Tamworth Low Level Station (109) Tamworth High Level (40) Report on 1870 Irish Mail Accident