Iron Bridge

Iron Bridge : The Michelin guide review

A bridge was needed over the Severn in Coalbrookdale to replace the dangerous ferry boat. The only other bridges were in Builways and Brignorth. This bridge was thus begun in 1777 by Thomas Pritchard, and was the first bridge in the world to be built from iron. It was inaugurated on 1 January 1781. The great lightness of its grand arches makes it a very elegant structure, which followed techniques used for wooden structures.