Ironbridge
Ironbridge is a settlement on the River Severn, at the heart of the Ironbridge Gorge in Telford, Shropshire, England. It lies in the parish of The Gorge, in the borough of Telford and Wrekin. The village developed beside, and takes its name from the famous Iron Bridge, a 30 metre (100 ft) cast iron bridge that was built across the river there in 1779.
By the 19th century, Ironbridge had had many well-known visitors including Benjamin Disraeli, but by the mid-20th century the village was in decline. In 1986 though, Ironbridge became part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site (which covers the wider Ironbridge Gorge area) and has become a major tourist attraction within Shropshire. Most industries in Ironbridge are now tourist related; however, the Merrythought teddy bear company (established in 1931) is still manufacturing in Ironbridge. Amongst other things, the village is still host to a Post Office, pharmacy, various pubs, cafés and many successful small shops.
An annual Coracle Regatta is held in August on the River Severn at Ironbridge, along with many other events throughout the year. Just outside Ironbridge in Coalbrookdale is the Ironbridge Institute, a partnership between the University of Birmingham and the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust offering postgraduate and professional development in heritage.
A number of historical sites in the village, including the wharfage and the bridge itself, are waypoints on the South Telford Heritage Trail.
Useful links!
Ironbridge tourist information
Shropshire Tourism The official tourism website for Shropshire
Images of Ironbridge on Shropshire Gallery
Images of Ironbridge on Fotopic
ITV Local footage in Ironbridge Gorge
Iron Bridge in the Structurae database




