his lease; the sum was £110,099, which Boynton says, "made an already wealthy man stupendously rich". From that date the LNWR took over the lease. The Midland Railway had been a significant influence within the company from the outset, but now their involvement diminished. The LNWR lease was anticipated to be for 99 years. However, in common with many other railway leases, the advantages of outright control were compelling. Moreover the LNWR feared that the Midland Railway might get control of the line, establishing a significant presence in LNWR territory. The lease continued for a time, but arrangements were made to transfer the SSR company to LNWR ownership. The transfer was ratified by the LNWR (New Works and Additional Powers) Act of 15 July 1867. The SSR network was now part of the LNWR, although there were running powers protections retained for the Midland Railway. This was a double edged sword, for it gave the LNWR, as owner of the SSR network, running powers over the Midland Railway into Burton. This was an attractive benefit, of which the LNWR intended to take full advantage. The LNWR sent a goods train to exercise the running powers to Derby via Wichnor Junction. The train found the line blocked at the junction. Neele wrote, Arriving at Wichnor Junction I was surprised to see a large number of platelayers, about, two or three engines in steam, and a saloon carriage in the siding. One of the engines with steam up had attached to its tender the V crossing of the junction over which we had to pass to get to Burton... Mr Needham [the superintendent of the Midland], who had bivouacked all night in the saloon, refused to allow the LNW train to pass. On asking Mr Needham for what purpose the force of Midland men was requisitioned, he told me that it was reported that the London and North Western were coming down with a body of 300 men and three engines intending to force their way into Burton, and that it had been determined to resist. Instructions came to me by telegraph: once more at the appointed time in the afternoon, a passage must be claimed. Some wiser counsels had prevailed at Derby, for when the time came, the opposing force had disappeared, and we made a triumphal journey towards Burton. Cannock lines Reaching Cannock In the SSR Act of 1847 there