Ironbridge

The area around Ironbridge is described by those promoting it as a tourist destination as the "birthplace of the Industrial Revolution". This description is based on the idea that Abraham Darby perfected the technique of smelting iron with coke, in Coalbrookdale, allowing much cheaper production of iron. However, the industrial revolution did not begin in any one place. Darby's iron smelting was but one small part of this generalised revolution and was soon superseded by the great iron-smelting areas. However, the bridge – being the first of its kind fabricated from cast iron, and one of the few which have survived to the present day – remains an important symbol representative of the dawn…

The Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust owns and operates 10 museums throughout the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site; they collectively tell the story of the Industrial Revolution. The museums include: <gallery mode=packed> File:The Old Furnace, Coalbrookdale - Corner View.jpg|The Old Furnace, Coalbrookdale File:Jackfield Tile Museum Facade.jpg|Jackfield Tile Museum File:Dale House.jpg|Dale House File:Rosehill House.jpg|Rosehill House File:Blists Hill Victorian Town Canal Street November 2021.jpg|Blists Hill Victorian Town File:The Iron Bridge, Side View.jpg|The Iron Bridge </gallery>

following the 2018 restoration]] By the 19th century, Ironbridge had had many well-known visitors, including Benjamin Disraeli, but by the mid-20th century, the settlements and industries of the gorge were in decline. In 1986, though, Ironbridge became part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site (which covers the wider Ironbridge Gorge area) and has since become a major tourist attraction within Shropshire. Most industries in Ironbridge are now tourist-related; however, the Merrythought teddy bear company (established in 1930) is still manufacturing in Ironbridge and has a small museum there too. Amongst other things, the centre of Ironbridge is host to a post office, pharmacy, various pubs, cafés…