Severn Bridge - the First iron Bridge ever built in the World
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| Photo: Picturesofengland.com |
The world's first iron bridge was erected over the River Severn here in Shropshire in 1779. This pioneering structure marked a turning point in English design and engineering; after it was built, cast iron came to be widely used in the construction of bridges, aqueducts and buildings.
The Iron Bridge's story began in the early 18th century, in the nearby village of Coalbrookdale. Abraham Darby pioneered the smelting of iron using coke, a process that was a catalyst for the Industrial Revolution. It was Abraham Darby III who cast the ironwork for the bridge that still stands today, using the same techniques developed by his grandfather. The bridge was so successful that it gave its name to the spectacular wooded valley which surrounds it, now recognised as the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site, according to English-heritage.org.uk.
Main architects of the bridge
Abraham Darby III
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| Photo: Madeupinbritain.uk |
Abraham Darby III was an English ironmaster and Quaker. He was the third man of that name in several generations of an English Quaker family that played a pivotal role in the Industrial Revolution.
Thomas Farnolls Pritchard
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| Photo: Commons.wikimedia.org |
To cope with the instability of the banks and the need to maintain a navigable channel in the river, a single span iron bridge was proposed by Thomas Farnolls Pritchard. After initial uncertainty about the use of iron, construction took place over 2 years, with Abraham Darby III responsible for the ironworks, Routeyou commented.
Construction of the bridge
Beginning move
Plans were drawn up in 1775 and work began two years later. 379 tons of iron for the bridge were cast at Coalbrookdale comprising more than 800 individual parts. The construction method was based on carpentry as there was no precedent for the use of iron. No plans or detailed accounts of the construction survived and many of the accepted assumptions were challenged with the discovery in 1997 of a previously unknown watercolour sketch which showed the bridge being built.
A team of experts constructed a model of the bridge based on the sketch and determined that the method shown was possible. An archaeological survey followed and a detailed 3D model was built resulting in the finding that the method shown in the sketch was probably how the bridge was built.
The final result
Construction of the bridge was completed in 1779 but related roadworks delayed the official opening until 1st January 1881. The bridge is 60m (200 ft) long with an arch span of half that and it rises 18m (59 ft) above the Severn.
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| Photo: Designingbuildings.co.uk |
Repairments
The bridge is susceptible to cracks and has been extensively repaired many times the first as early as 1802. Many of the original cracks are visible today. Later cast iron bridges used much less iron and it is felt that the Iron Bridge was over-designed. The bridge was closed to vehicular traffic in 1934 and operated as a tolled pedestrian bridge until 1950. The bridge is a Grade I listed building and with the adjacent town of Ironbridge and the Ironbridge Gorge forms the UNESCO Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site, Bridgesofdublin noted.
The future of the Iron Bridge
The bridge remained in full use for over 150 years, by ever-increasing traffic. In 1999–2000 English Heritage, together with the Ironbridge Gorge Museums Trust, carried out a full archaeological survey, record and analysis of the bridge. The three-dimensional digital record now enables detailed understanding and management of the structure.
In 2018, English Heritage completed a major conservation project to repair the Iron Bridge. It had been suffering due to stresses in the ironwork dating from the original construction, ground movement over the centuries and an earthquake at the end of the 19th century. The bridge now stands as testament to this large-scale work, for future generations to enjoy.
Plan a great day out
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| Photo: Visitshropshirehotels.com |
| The Iron Bridge is the perfect place to begin a tour of Ironbridge Gorge. Now a peaceful valley, the gorge was once at the very heart of industry and engineering. Plan a visit to one of the museums and find out about the history of the area. There are also a number of other English Heritage sites nearby, including Buildwas Abbey, Wenlock Priory and Wroxeter Roman City. |
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