IRONBRIDGE GORGE

Cultural Shropshire 1986

ironbridge.org.uk

Cutting deep through the Shropshire countryside, flows the River Severn following the route of the mighty Ironbridge gorge, named so due to the famous iron bridge – first of its kind in the world – that spans the gorge. Historically the site was useful to early industrialists due to the easy exploitation of raw materials such as coal, iron ore, limestone and clay, used to manufacture iron, tiles and porcelain. The bridge, opened in 1781, was the first major bridge in the world to be made of cast iron and is a celebrated symbol of the industrial revolution.

Paleozoic Era 1781

During the last ice age, the gorge is formed.

The Iron Bridge is opened. It is the first of its kind in the world.

1968

Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust established to preserve and interpret the area’s history.