











Rusting Relic From The Days Of Steam





Since steam-hauled passenger and freight trains passing through Northampton station came to an end in the 1960's, it seems virtually nothing tangible has survived in the area to testify to the existence of the 'Great Days of Steam'.





The locomotive shed, once covering an area where part of Northampton Castle formerly stood, was cleared to make way for an ugly, metal, two-tiered car park.

The coaling-plant was blown-up, signal box numbers '1' and '2' were demolished and the large semaphore signal gantries have long since disappeared.





However, tucked away close to the corner of a bridge truss, one relic from that romanticised era did manage to survive pretty much intact. A line-side UK water tower that over many decades quenched the thirst of thousands of steam locomotives.



So, how did this example manage to escape extinction?





When studying the tower's location, the reason for its survival becomes clear.

Northampton Station Water Tower

Photo: Charles Moorhen





Standing adjacent to the track running into the former Northampton sidings, and close to the main running lines into and out of Northampton station, it is logical to assume that removal of the tower would cause major disruption to both freight and passenger rail traffic on this busy stretch of track.





Without doubt it would require the temporary removal of overhead power lines.

Class 66 diesel locomotives can often be seen and Loram rail-grinding trains can sometimes be spotted, would be completely beyond use. The entrance to the few remaining weed-strewn sidings, wherelocomotives can often be seen and Loram rail-grinding trains can sometimes be spotted, would be completely beyond use.





Add to this is the fact that the water tower stands only a few metres away from the busy Spencer Bridge Road bridge - a main artery into Northampton town - and the entry road leading to 'Martin's Yard', a small industrial area, its removal would no doubt cause serious traffic-flow problems in the area.







Northampton Station Water Tower

Photo: Charles Moorhen







