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The Iron Bridge is a cast iron arch bridge that crosses the River Severn in Shropshire, England. Opened in 1781, it was the first major bridge in the world to be made of cast iron. Its success inspired the widespread use of cast iron as a structural material, and today the bridge is celebrated as a symbol of the Industrial Revolution.
The Iron Bridge's story began in the early 18th century, in the nearby village of Coalbrookdale. Abraham Darby pioneered the smelting of iron using coke, a process that was a catalyst for the Industrial Revolution.
Nestled in a spectacular wooded gorge stands a monument to British industry – the world’s first iron bridge. Crossing the River Severn, it was completed in 1779 and opened to traffic in 1781. It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986 and remains an iconic feature of Britain’s industrial past.
The Iron Bridge. The world's first iron bridge was erected over the River Severn at Coalbrookdale in 1779. This now world-famous industrial monument gave its name to the Town that grew around it and to the spectacular wooded gorge that was the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution.
- It was the first structure in the world made from cast iron. Built in 1779 by a team of pioneering industrialists, the Iron Bridge was made possible through advances in iron smelting that took place in the century before.
- The bridge wasn't designed by Telford or Brunel. The man responsible for the design of the Iron Bridge was a Shrewsbury architect called Thomas Farnolls Pritchard.
- The gorge, in which the bridge was built, was formed during the Ice Age. There are various geological theories about the formation of the Severn Gorge.
- Until 1950, everyone had to pay a toll to cross - even the Queen. They might rule the country, but a toll is a toll. A sign advised: 'Every officer or soldier whether on duty or not, is liable to pay toll for passing over as well as any baggage wagon, mail coach or the Royal Family.'
Ironbridge, structure that is generally considered the first cast iron bridge, spanning the River Severn at Ironbridge, near Coalbrookdale, in Shropshire, England. The bridge was erected by Abraham Darby in 1777–79. It is now a British national monument and is still used for pedestrian traffic.
May 15, 2017 · Learn how the River Severn, coal, iron ore and clay shaped the history of modern industry in this scenic valley. See the world's first iron bridge, the Darby family homes, the china and tile factories, and the recreated Victorian town of Blists Hill.
