Ironbridge
Iron_Bridge.JPG
Telford_-_Shropshire_dot.png
Ironbridge is a settlement beside the River Severn in Shropshire, England that grew up beside the 100 foot (30 meter) cast-iron bridge that was built across the river there in 1779. This was the first cast-iron bridge to be constructed in Europe. It still stands.
The bridge was designed by the architect Thomas Pritchard, using carpentry- style joints, and built by the iron-master Abraham Darby. Darby's cast-iron works at nearby Coalbrookdale were the site of important improvements in iron smelting technology that, among other developments, led to the Industrial Revolution in England.
The bridge was originally used to transport iron, coal, and limestone across the river. Now only pedestrians may cross it.
The Ironbridge Gorge was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986. The bridge is in the care of English Heritage.
| Settlements on the River Severn between Llandrinio and Ironbridge (heading downstream) | edit | |
|
Llandrinio | Ford | Montford | Shrewsbury | Uffington | Atcham | Wroxeter | Cressage | Buildwas | Ironbridge | ||
| Settlements on the River Severn between Ironbridge and Bewdley (heading downstream) | edit | |
|
Ironbridge | Coalport | Bridgnorth | Hampton & Hampton Loade (chain ferry) | Highley | Upper Arley | Bewdley | ||
| River Severn, UK (Others in NSW and NZ) | edit | |
| Administrative areas: Powys | Shropshire | Worcestershire | Gloucestershire | Flows into: Bristol Channel Towns: Llanidloes | Newtown | Welshpool | Shrewsbury | Bridgnorth | Bewdley Major tributaries: Rea Brook | River Perry | River Tern | River Vyrnwy | River Stour | River Teme | Upper Avon | Lower Avon | River Wye Linked canals: Staffordshire and Worcestershire | Birmingham and Worcester | Droitwich Major crossings: Welsh Bridge | English Bridge | Ironbridge | Hampton Loade (chain ferry) | Severn Tunnel | Severn Bridge | ||
| Longest UK rivers: 1. Severn 2. Thames 3. Trent 4. Aire 5. Great Ouse 6. Wye 7. Tay 8. Spey 9. Nene 10. Clyde 11. Tweed 12. Eden | ||
|---|---|---|