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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 is the perfect place to begin a tour of Ironbridge Gorge. Now a peaceful valley, the gorge was once at the very heart of industry and engineering. Plan a visit to one of the museums and find out about the history of the area.
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.'
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.
Feb 17, 2011 · Learn about the engineering wonder of the Iron Bridge, the first structural use of cast iron, built in 1779 in Shropshire. Discover the stages, techniques and challenges of its construction, based on recent discoveries and experiments.
The Iron Bridge & Tollhouse. Stand on top of the world's first iron bridge. Discover more
