Ironbridge, Shropshire

Ironbridge is famous as the "Birthplace of the Industrial Revolution". This is where Abraham Darby invented the techniqe of smelting iron with coke to produce mass production of iron. Situated on the River Severn it was the grandson of Abraham Darby who built the bridge across the river. It opened on New Year's Day in 1781.

Ironbridge is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site covering the Ironbridge and Gorge area. It is a major tourist attraction. The Iron Bridge crosses the River Severn at the Ironbridge Gorge in the village of Ironbridge. This was the world's first arched bridge to be made out of cast iron, made possible by Abraham Darby and the nearby blast furnace.

Prior to the bridge being built the only way across the river was by ferry. Now the industries in Coalbrookdale and Broseley would have a far more efficient method of crossing. Although the bridge used to carry traffic it now purely for pedestrians. Major repairs took place in 2000.

Ironbridge is home to a number of historical sites under the umbrella of the Ironbridge Gorge Museums, a charity which was established in 1967 and which preserves the integrity and heritage of the Industrial Revolution in the Ironbridge Gorge. The ten museum sites are:


1. Blists Hill Victorian Town, including the Hay Inclined Plane
2. Broseley Pipeworks
3. Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron
4. Coalport China Museum
5. Coalport Tar Tunnel
6. Darby Houses
7. Enginuity
8. Iron Bridge and Tollhouse
9. Jackfield Tile Museum
10. Museum of the Gorge

Further information can be obtained from the website at: www.ironbridge.org.uk/