Thursday, 10 April 2014

I is for Ironbridge


I is for Ironbridge, Shropshire

Today we are travelling to Scotland to visit

Ironbridge in Shropshire

Ironbridge is the first iron bridge of its kind in the world and a monument to the industry that began there. The bridge was built in 1779 across the River Severn to link the industrial town of Broseley with the smaller mining town of Madeley and the growing industrial centre of Coalbrookdale.

It was the first arch bridge to be made of cast iron, a material too expensive for large structures but a new blast furnace nearby lowered the cost to enable local engineers to solve the long-standing problem of having a crossing over the river. 

Aerial view of the bridge over the River Severn.
Picture from Wikimedia Commons

In 1934 the bridge was closed to vehicular traffic and designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument.  Pedestrians were charged a toll to use the bridge until 1950.  The bridge is a Grade I Listed Building, the bridge itself, the settlement of Ironbridge and the Ironbridge Gorge is a World Heritage Site.
Photo Phriday – Bridges

Construction of the bridge began in 1775, the bridge was raised in the summer of 1779 and it was opened on New Year's Day 1781. It was the only bridge on the River Severn to survive the flood of 1795, due to its strength and small profile against the floodwaters.

Thomas Farnolls Pritchard or Farnolls Pritchard (c. 1723–23 December 1777) was an English architect and interior decorator who designed Ironbridge.

Ironbridge Gorge in Shropshire is known throughout the world as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution but nowadays most of the industry and factories have gone and the natural beauty of the Gorge has been restored. Nature has reclaimed most of the former industrial sites leaving a unique and beautiful wooded valley. The gorge is now a maze of footpaths, bridleways and country lanes.

The cast iron bridge spans the river Severn

A tidal river flanked by banks of bracken

George took Annabelle’s hand raising it to his lips

He smiled at her as his mouth touch her hand in a kiss

Annabelle tapped his shoulder lightly with her umbrella

Laughing she shrugged off the romantic gesture

They started walking; arms entwined high above the water

Only 200 feet to travel, a pause in the middle to gaze

Admiring the scenery of the beautiful valley

George only had eyes for his gorgeous bride to be.




  1. I can't imagine all the work that went into constructing such a bridge. we have a spiral staircase made out of cast iron and from what i understand it's a hard material to work with. Doing it up in the air suspended must be something else!! Very interesting and handsome architecture.

  2. Lovely! Thanks for sharing!

  3. Love bridges Sally. This is an interesting piece of history. So picturesque. Love the poem too.

  4. I like when old bridges are preserved for foot traffic. They are indeed romantic spots, the perfect spot for a kiss on the hand or more.
    Wendy at Jollett Etc.