The Ironbridge which crosses the Severn Gorge in Shropshire, is universally recognised as the symbol of the Industrial Revolution of the 19th century.

Built in 1781 by Abraham Darby III, it was the first construction of its kind, constructed entirely using cast iron. There are no eye witness accounts of the bridge being built, creating a mystery surrounding the techniques of construction used. In 2001 a team undertook the challenge to build a half-scale model of the bridge in order to learn about the techniques used in construction. It was found to have employed complex and dangerous techniques - the men working on it would have had to have no fear of heights!

The bridge facilited much more efficient transport of goods across the Severn, and the town of Ironbridge grew up around it.

Over its 250 year history the bridge has undergone repairs and renovations. In 1934 it was closed to vehicles, but pedestrian access was continued until 1950. In 1986 UNESCO named the Ironbridge Gorge a World Heritage Site.

The stamp below was released in July 1989 as part of the Industrial Archaeology stamp issue.

Illustration

35p stamp of the Ironbridge, 1989