Exploring the most Picturesque & Historic parts of England..

Pictures of Ironbridge

in the county of Shropshire

About Ironbridge

This town is named for the famous bridge that spans the River Severn - the world's first Iron Bridge. Completed in 1781 it was built by Abraham Darby III to advertise his ironworks at nearby Coalbrookdale. Within a year the worth of Iron as a building material was proven. During that period, a flood had washed away all the other bridges except for this one.

It was the pioneering work of Abraham Darby's grandfather in the iron industry that earned this little town the distinction of being the cradle of the Industrial Revolution. The ironworks at Coalbrookdale saw the birth of the very first Iron wheels, Iron rails, Iron boat, Aquaduct, Iron framed buildings and the famous bridge.

Much of the industrial heritage of Ironbridge and Coalbrookdale is preserved by the Ironbridge Gorge Museum. This is an enchanted valley of working museums and real history. On show are images and objects from an industrial revolution which changed forever not only the great heartland of the Midlands but many other towns and Cities throughout England, if not the World. It is Coalbrookdale that we have to thank for that which is the pride of every English country kitchen - the Aga oven, for it was here that this unique oven was first invented.

Centre of industry this area may be but there is some very pleasant countryside close-by with an abundance of public houses where a genial host will be happy to serve you with a tasty meal and a good pint of his excellent ale.

The Wrekin is a local beauty spot and Benthall Hall owned by the National Trust is well worth a visit. The mighty River Severn meanders merrily throughout this area and at times, is almost in-line with the Severn Valley Steam Railway line which runs from Kidderminster to the nearby town of Bridgenorth.

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History of Ironbridge

Blists Hill Victorian Town	by victorian67
Ironbridge - a historical heritage	by Louise Simmons

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Hotels & Accommodation in Ironbridge

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Ironbridge Hotels Ironbridge Cottages Ironbridge Bed & Breakfast

	Bridge View Guest House Telford, Shropshire, England (0.2 miles, 0.3 km) With unparalleled views of the historic Iron Bridge, the first of its kind in the world, this charming guest house sits above a delightful tea room serving food all day. There is free Wi-Fi throughout... More info and book online.. Price from £65.00
	Calcutts House Ironbridge, Shropshire, England (0.7 miles, 1.1 km) This 18th Century property provides bed and breakfast accommodation with 4-star luxury. In the heart of the Ironbridge Gorge, Calcutts House offers period elegance with free Wi-Fi and modern en suite ... More info and book online.. Price from £60.00
	Best Western Valley Hotel Telford, Shropshire, England (0.7 miles, 1.1 km) In the stunning Ironbridge Gorge, on the banks of the River Severn, this beautifully preserved Georgian country house offers luxurious accommodation, free Wi-Fi and an award-winning restaurant.... More info and book online.. Price from £48.00
	Foundry Masters House Coalbrookdale, Shropshire, England (0.7 miles, 1.2 km) Originally built in the early 1800s, this detached property has now been lovingly restored; today, the house boasts attractive and elegant Georgian-style accommodation, rich in beautiful original peri... More info and book online.. Price from £31.00
	Springhill B&B Ironbridge, Shropshire, England (0.9 miles, 1.5 km) Situated in the heart of the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site, Springhill B&B is a spacious Grade II listed property with sweeping views over the village of Coalbrookdale.... More info and book online.. Price from £50.00

All Accommodation in Ironbridge..

Nearby travel help

M54 Junction 6	(4.1 miles, 6.7 km, direction N)
Telford Central Station	(4.2 miles, 6.8 km, direction NE)
M54 Junction 5	(4.2 miles, 6.8 km, direction NE)
Oakengates Station	(4.6 miles, 7.5 km, direction N)
Birmingham International Airport	(33.6 miles, 54.1 km, direction E)
East Midlands Airport	(50.3 miles, 81.0 km, direction E)
Ironbridge to London	(126.7 miles, 203.9 km, direction SE)