Pictures of Ironbridge

About Ironbridge

This town is named for the famous bridge that spans the River Severn - the world's first Iron Bridge. Completed in 1781 it was built by Abraham Darby III to advertise his ironworks at nearby Coalbrookdale. Within a year the worth of Iron as a building material was proven. During that period, a flood had washed away all the other bridges except for this one.

It was the pioneering work of Abraham Darby's grandfather in the iron industry that earned this little town the distinction of being the cradle of the Industrial Revolution. The ironworks at Coalbrookdale saw the birth of the very first Iron wheels, Iron rails, Iron boat, Aquaduct, Iron framed buildings and the famous bridge.

Much of the industrial heritage of Ironbridge and Coalbrookdale is preserved by the Ironbridge Gorge Museum. This is an enchanted valley of working museums and real history. On show are images and objects from an industrial revolution which changed forever not only the great heartland of the Midlands but many other towns and Cities throughout England, if not the World. It is Coalbrookdale that we have to thank for that which is the pride of every English country kitchen - the Aga oven, for it was here that this unique oven was first invented.

Centre of industry this area may be but there is some very pleasant countryside close-by with an abundance of public houses where a genial host will be happy to serve you with a tasty meal and a good pint of his excellent ale.

The Wrekin is a local beauty spot and Benthall Hall owned by the National Trust is well worth a visit. The mighty River Severn meanders merrily throughout this area and at times, is almost in-line with the Severn Valley Steam Railway line which runs from Kidderminster to the nearby town of Bridgenorth.

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Ironbridge - a historical heritage

by Louise Simmons