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Ironbridge Gorge. Photo outsourced from

10 Best facts about the Ironbridge Gorge

The bridge was built in 1779 over River Severn at Coalbrookdale, covering an area of 547.9 ha. I represents a symbol of the industrial revolution.

The bridge was designed by Thomas Farnolls Pritchard, he was a Shrewsbury architect and stonemason by training.

The Ironbridge is a unique cultural momentum that leads to the industrial revolution of iron. It was built by casting iron, a process led by experienced engineers and architects.

The bridge is built on a gorge that was formed by glacial from a long drained Lake Lapworth at the end of the Ice age.

It is a magnificent historic site surrounded by the Shropshire countryside and River Severn.

In the 1960s, the authorities wanted to bring the bridge down and sell it as scrap but It was later saved. The bridge was then inscribed on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Here are best facts about Ironbridge Gorge you should know.

1. The first structure in the world made from cast Iron

Photo by Ashley Dace-

The wall was entirely built from cast Iron in 1779. The iron casting of the bridge was technical and required highly skilled architects, engineers, and craftsmen.

The pioneering team made the construction work progress smoothly. The engineers involved made sure to use advanced knowledge of iron melting producing excellent work of engineering.

2. People could pay a toll fee to pass 

Information Board re Tolls. Photo by Christine Matthews-

After the construction, all people passing through the bridge were required to pay a toll fee. There was a strategic sign on the bridge with detailed information on different toll fee charges.

The toll sign had inscribed words stating, “Every officer or soldier, whether on duty or not, is liable to pay a toll for passing over and any baggage, wagon, mail, coach or the Royal Family.” The queen was also subjected to paying the toll fee.

The toll fee was later abolished. In 1934 toll fee for vehicles was removed, and in the 1950s, for pedestrians.

3. UNESCO saved Ironbridge Gorge

The bridge was believed to be an important cultural momentum by the society, although in the 1960s, the authorities wanted to bring the bridge down and sell it as scrap.

The guardianship right changed in the 1970s, just before the bridge was dismantled, saving the bridge from being sold as scrap.

The bridge was then inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list. This made the bridge attain respectable height and a great attraction for tourists.

4. Several repairs have been made through the centuries

 A crack was discovered in the stone land arch, a 35-yard- 32-meter wall. The wall crack was built to prevent the North bank from falling into the river.

The Gorge was vulnerable to landslides causing more complicated problems, subjecting it to several repairs for protection and safety.

The trustees commissioned to the bridge did stone land arch repairs in 1800, giving the bridge strength to last long. These repairs have kept the bridge in good shape, attracting visitors to explore its history.

5. It was designed by Thomas Farnolls Pritchard

Thomas Farnolls Pritchard. Photo Outsourced from 

Thomas was the man behind the brilliant idea of building the magnificent bridge. He was a Shrewsbury architect and stonemason by training.

Many people thought that Abraham Darby III designed the bridge because he was experienced in ironworking.

The magnificent bridge gives a clear picture of Thomas being a brilliant architect because of how the bridge resulted in being unique.

6. Quaker Iron founders were involved in the construction

Abraham Darby I of Coalbrookdale Shropshire was an English ironmaster and founder man. He played a significant role in the industrial revolution, and he developed a method of producing pig iron in a blast furnace using coke instead of charcoal.

Abraham’s development led to the production of iron as a raw material for the industrial revolution in 1709.

Abraham Darby I, grandson, contributed to funding the iron bridge project using his own money. The contribution is estimated to have cost 3,000 euros.

7. The Gorge in which the bridge was built was formed during the Ice Age period

Several theories try to explain how the Severn Gorge was formed. The popular one highlights that a large lake formed as the ice melted during the last age of the ice.

After the ice lake melted, its water levels started to rise, causing the lake to overflow, creating fast-flowing streams of water that cut through the rocks creating the Gorge.

8. Influenced Several bridges

Wearmouth Bridge. Photo by Merlinseyes-

The iron bridge was so inspiring that it significantly influenced other bridges’ construction projects. In Jamaica, a bridge built across 1210 Cobre was the first iron bridge outside of the UK, applying knowledge used in the Iron bridge.

The Iron bridge greatly influenced the Buildwas Bridge by Telford in Shropshire design. Also, the Wearmouth bridge was built with a span of 235 feet in 1793. The bridge was built from cast iron in the form of cast voussoirs.

9. An Elephant walked across the bridge

Amongst many visitors to the bridge, one is believed to be an elephant. This happened during a publicity stunt promoting Chapman’s Zoo Circus in 1932.

The elephant marched across the bridge as onlookers witnessed the marching. Unbelievable right? These facts influence many people to visit the bridge to explore its well-known wonders.

10. Ironbridge Gorge is an attraction site

Photo courtesy of

 The bridge is the first in history to be built with cast iron. This building occurred after the industrial development. The iron could be used as raw material after Abraham Darby I development.

The bridge has remained an Iconic structure attracting thousands of people who visit. It’s an excellent place for a family day out, to explore more about its history and culture attached to it.

There are fantastic restaurants one can enjoy superb meals, get comfortable accommodation, and enjoy pork pies at Eley’s. It also has a museum filled with plenty of exciting and educational materials.