This photograph, which was sent to us by Michelle Ayling, dates from around the time of WW1 and shows the Signalman, Michelle's great Grandfather, posing for the photograph by his crossing gate. Further information on the Stokes Bay line is available in the Railway Magazine archives under "A Victorian Route to the Isle of Wight".

Initially equipped with an 18-lever frame, this was reduced to 9 levers when the 'box was reduced to Ground Frame status in 1934. Originally called "Forton Junction", it was renamed "Lees Lane Junction" circa-1910, then "Lees Lane Crossing" some after that and was closed completely in 1968.

photograph: Michelle Ayling collection