LMS Route: The Shakespeare Route

Goldicote Cutting : smjel246

Looking along Goldicote Cutting as the replacement occupation bridge for the farm is being erected in early 1916. Arthur Jordan recounts in his book on the line that about 1:20pm on Friday 24th September 1915, the occupation bridge, one of two structures spanning the cutting, the other being a bridge carrying public road, collapsed and completely blocked the line until 8:00am the following Monday. After the collapse of the bridge, all available platelayers and other staff, including office workers, were sent by the SMJ to clear the line with work continuing both day and night. In the breakdown van, Arthur Jordan's mother and an assistant maintained a never-ending supply of tea and sandwiches for the men. During the period the line was blocked passengers were conveyed between Stratford upon Avon and Ettington stations by road. The bridge can still be viewed from the A422 road between Stratford upon Avon and Ettington.

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