Ironbridge
Today Ironbridge and
its surroundings are popular with visitors, but in times past
this area was very different; full of smoke, noise and
action, this was once the birthplace of the Industrial
Revolution.
Ironbridge gets its name
from the graceful bridge that spans the River Severn. This, the
world's first cast iron bridge, was erected in 1779 and
opened to the public in 1781. In those days it was the only
crossing of the Severn in the area - today it is still in
use, but now carries only pedestrian traffic.
The surrounding Ironbridge Gorge has been designated a UNESCO
World Heritage Site, reflecting its importance in the industrial
history of the world. Several of the former manufacturing
locations are now in use as Museums, giving an insight into the
past.
