Alan Whitehead's Pictures of Ironbridge

Ironbridge and the Old Ice House in Shropshire

In the 18th Century, the River Severn was one of Britain's busiest waterways and as industry was growing quickly in Coalbrookdale, a bridge across the river became essential. The adjacent Ice House was just one of many local businesses that would benefit from the construction, as small boats were the only alternative way to reach their suppliers and customers.

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Ironbridge, Buildings and Structures, River Scenes, Shropshire

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The Ironbridge is a Work of Art as Well as a Feat of Engineering

The Ironbridge was designed by the Architect Thomas Pritchard, from nearby Shrewsbury and the recent increase in the quality and strength of cast iron clearly enabled him to impose a degree of artistic essence that had not previously been possible.

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Ironbridge, Buildings and Structures

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The Ironbridge Ove the River Severn in Shropshire

With a single span of 100 Ft and a height of 52 Ft over high water, the Ironbridge was the first major bridge in the world to be made from Cast Iron. This was only possible because the industrial innovator Abraham Darby had recently made huge improvements to the quality and strength of cast iron. Using coke instead of the traditional charcoal to fuel the smelting process achieved furnace temperatures approaching 1,000ºC higher, which made the iron more homogenous and cohesive and consequently increased its strength considerably. The half ribs and other struts were joined using techniques derived from carpentry, such as dovetail joints, etc, as no other methods were known in the 18th Century. The success of the design and construction gave a great boost to the nascent Industrial Revolution and Ironbridge is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Ironbridge, Buildings and Structures, Shropshire

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The Road Across the Ironbridge is Pedestrians Only

In the 1930s the Ironbridge was designated as an Ancient Monument and was closed to vehicles.

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Ironbridge, Buildings and Structures

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View of the Ironbridge and the Village Named After It

A view of the Ironbridge from the upstream side, which also shows the Village that grew up around it and was named after it.

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Ironbridge, Buildings and Structures

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