Ironbridge-Shropshire is located right on the Severn River. The town was named after the iron bridge that spans the river. This bridge was built in 1779. This is a new town and began to be built up about 40 years ago. This area is marketed as the starting point of the Industrial revolution. While this area was important for the industrial revolution it did not start in one spot but many places.
The bridge was built but the grandson of Abraham Darby, the man that detailed how to smelt iron incorporating coke in the process. This bridge made it possible to connect the two areas of the town. The Severn Gorge has many industrial links and much of the hotel and accommodations have been built up for travels to visit the gorge and the bridge. There are many excellent examples of Victorian villas and Georgian homes that were built by the prosperous mining, barge owners and ironmasters.
The town became a UNESCO world heritage site in 1986 and is a main tourist area in Shropshire. Much of the old industries are no longer operating though the Merrythought teddy bear company is still producing bears. The town has many small shops, cafes, pubs and a Post Office. Just outside the village is the Ironbridge Institute which offers studies in industrial heritage.
The Ironbridge Power Station is a heritage site that consists of two power stations fueled by coal. When it first was built this power station was considered a super station. It was near a cooling water source and the railway lines, making it an excellent spot for a power station. The station was designed to merge as seamlessly as possible with the natural surroundings.
The Ironbridge Gorge Museum trust runs 10 different heritage sites. These sites include many museums, tile works, iron works, the bridge and much more. If you are interested in origins of main industries then visiting this town is a great educational journey.
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