Ironbridge is a renowned historical site in Shropshire, England, and is considered the cornerstone of the Industrial Revolution. It’s named after the famous Iron Bridge, a monumental cast iron structure completed in 1781, which was the first of its kind to be constructed anywhere in the world. This bridge was a testament to the advancements in iron smelting, particularly by Abraham Darby III and it symbolised the progress of the era. The bridge crosses the River Severn and was an engineering marvel of its time, demonstrating the possibilities of cast iron as a structural material. The Ironbridge area, referred to as the Ironbridge Gorge, became a hub for industrial development and innovation. Today, Ironbridge is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to a series of museums that celebrate the region’s industrial heritage. Visitors can explore the Iron Bridge & Tollhouse, the Museum of The Gorge, and the interactive Blists Hill Victorian Town, among others. These attractions provide a deep dive into the technological and social history of the 18th and 19th centuries. Ironbridge remains a symbol of ingenuity and the transformative power of the Industrial Revolution, attracting visitors from around the world who are interested in the roots of modern industry and technology. Coalbrookdale is a significant area in the Ironbridge Gorge in Shropshire, England. It holds immense historical importance as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. In 1888 the area was still very heavily industrial with Coalbrookdale Iron Works dominating the village. • Industrial Significance: Coalbrookdale played a pivotal role in the Industrial Revolution, particularly in the 18th century. It was here that Abraham Darby I revolutionised iron smelting by using coke instead of charcoal in the production of iron, a process that led to the mass production of iron and steel. • Ironbridge: Coalbrookdale is famous for the Iron Bridge, which was built in 1779 by Abraham Darby III, the grandson of Abraham Darby I. It was the first bridge in the world to be made entirely of iron and is considered a symbol of the Industrial Revolution. • Coal and Iron: The area was rich in both coal and iron ore, making it an ideal location for iron production. The availability of these resources, coupled with technological innovations, fuelled the growth of industry in Coalbrookdale. • Innovation and Industry: The Industrial Revolution brought about significant changes in manufacturing processes, transportation, and society as a whole. Coalbrookdale was at the forefront of these changes, with its ironworks, foundries, and factories driving economic development and technological advancement. • Heritage Site: Today, Coalbrookdale is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the rest of the Ironbridge Gorge. It is a living monument to the industrial heritage of England and attracts visitors from around the world who come to learn about its history and significance. There’s plenty to see and do in the area and lots of pubs to try out but five of our favourites are the All Nations, The Coalbrookdale and The Coracle particularly for the quality and selection of ales, The Boat and Woodbridge Inn particularly for their location and a special mention for the All Nations for its home brew history. There’s plenty more to try however: White Hart 10 Wharfage, Ironbridge, TF8 7AW Swan Taphouse 21 Wharfage, Ironbridge, TF8 7NH Golden Ball Inn 1 Newbridge Road, Ironbridge, TF8 7BA Ye Olde Robin Hood Inn 33 Waterloo Street, Ironbridge, TF8 7HQ Horse & Jockey 15 Jockey Bank, Ironbridge, TF8 7PD Water Rat Inn 29 Buildwas Road, Coalbrookdale, TF8 7BJ The Malthouse Wharfage, Ironbridge, TF8 7NH Tontine Hotel 13 Tontine Hill, Ironbridge, TF8 7AL D’arcys At The Station Ladywood, Ironbidge TF8 7JU Half Moon Inn 174 Salthouse Road, TF8 7LP Shakespeare Inn High Street, Coalport, TF8 7HT Brewery Inn High Street, Coalport, TF8 7HZ

The Hay Inclined Plane

The Hay Inclined Plane is a historic transportation structure that played a significant role in the industrial history of the area. Located at the south end of the gorge, it linked the Shropshire canal to the River Severn. • Purpose: o The Hay Inclined Plane was built in the early 1790s as part of the Shropshire Canal system. Its purpose was to transport canal boats carrying coal and other goods between two levels of the canal, overcoming a significant change in elevation. • Design: o The incline plane consisted of two parallel railway tracks with a series of connected wagons or "carriages" that could carry canal boats. The boats would be loaded onto the carriages at the top or bottom of the incline, and then the carriages were moved up or down the steep slope using a system of pulleys and counterweights. • Operation: o The operation of the incline plane involved a balance between loaded and empty wagons. Loaded wagons descending the incline would pull up empty wagons using a pulley system, and vice versa. This allowed for a relatively efficient transfer of goods between the different levels of the canal. • Importance: o The Hay Inclined Plane was a crucial component of the Shropshire Canal system, facilitating the transportation of coal and other goods between the industrial centres of Shropshire and the wider canal network. It helped to overcome the natural obstacles presented by the hilly terrain of the area. • Legacy: o While the Hay Inclined Plane is no longer in operation, it remains an important historic site, reflecting the ingenuity and innovation of the early industrial era. It is now preserved as a heritage attraction, allowing visitors to learn about its history and significance. Overall, the Hay Inclined Plane at Telford is an example of the engineering feats of the Industrial Revolution and the importance of transportation infrastructure in driving economic development during that period.

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The All Nations is one of the oldest brewpubs in the country, having brewed since 1832 and was one of the last remaining four homebrew pubs before the revival of brewhouses in the early eighties. The All Nations Inn is a great example of a traditional home brew pub, like drinking in someone's front room.

Dating back to 1740 the Boat is IN the River Severn - frequently. Global warming or not, the Boat has regularly suffered from the river overflowing. Well kept ales and on a sunny day, one of the best of locations.

Excellent Grade II listed Inn located in the heart of the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. Very much a drinkers inn with a wide range of ales and a great place to call in when exploring Abraham Darby's history.

Formerly a printers, jewellers and a butchers premises, the Coracle serves a great selection of ales and is just a short walk from the Iron Bridge. Named after the small round boats that used to be seen on the river before the bridge was built.

Many a spectator has watched the Ironbridge to Bridgnorth raft race with a pint in hand at this excellently located Grade II listed 18th century inn, on the banks of the river Severn. Great ales and lovely food.

Ironbridge & Coalbrookdale, Shropshire

Superb area with immense historical significance.

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