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
