The Iron Bridge

The bridge, a Grade 1 listed building, was built in 1779 by Abraham Darby III based on a design by Thomas Farnolls Pritchard, to join the towns of Coalbrookdale and Broseley across the River Severn. The main arch span is 30.6m and was conctructed using traditional timber type connections with mortice and tenon, and dovetail joints.

The Iron Bridge over the River Seven at Coalbrookdale
 

Constructed in 1779
 

Abraham Darby III's grandfather, Abraham Darby I, had earlier perfected the technique of smelting iron with coke and was able to manufacture iron cooking pots and cast iron tram rails far cheaper than his competitors. Ironworks were established in Coalbrookdale in the Severn Gorge which produced the iron for the Bridge. The area became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 and is recognised as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution.
The bridge was privately owned up until 1950 when it was passed to Shropshire County Council and now belongs to Telford and Wrekin Borough Council.

 
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