Greetings Card - Iron Bridge

Ironbridge, Telford (N 52° 37’ 38” W 2° 29’ 07”) Card 150x150mm with recycled envelope and biodegradable cello. Detailed caption on the reverse of the card. Card is blank for your own message.

During the 18th century, coal mining in East Shropshire was an important industry, with 100,000 tonnes being exported each year. The only bridge was situated two miles away at Buildwas and a ferry, used for goods and people, was dangerous during the winter months. Therefore, in 1776, by Royal Order, the building of a new bridge over the River Severn at Coalbrookdale commenced, and the first iron bridge in the world was completed in 1779. During the 1800s the iron bridge was advertised as a tourist attraction and the small town of Ironbridge developed and grew next to it. Pedestrian tolls were collected up until the 1950s but car access was halted in 1934. The Ironbridge gorge, including the bridge (which is Grade 1 listed) is now a designated World Heritage site, recognised for its unique contribution to the Industrial Revolution.