Bridge · England · Restored

The Iron Bridge

The Iron Bridge is a single-span cast-iron arch bridge crossing the River Severn at Ironbridge, Shropshire, opened in 1781 as the first major bridge made of cast iron. Its five sectional cast-iron ribs spring from massive stone abutments and carry a narrow roadway and pedestrian path across the wooded Ironbridge Gorge. The bridge and its immediate settlement form the core of the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site.

Recreate Bridge to Explore →

Photograph via Wikimedia Commons

First raised

1779

Its prime

1781

Today

Restored

As it stood in 1781

What The Iron Bridge looked like in its prime.

A single-span cast-iron arch composed of five sectional ribs and interlocking circular rings, spanning about 30.6 m between high ashlar stone abutments. The ribs, originally painted red-brown, form an open trussed arch above a narrow iron-deck roadway with low iron balustrades. Stone approaches and a small brick-vaulted land-arch punctuate the town side; supplemental smaller cast-iron arches on the southern bank carry a towpath. The river runs beneath, the steep gorge wooded on both banks.

Step inside

7 places to explore in 1781.

The record describes 7 distinct spots at The Iron Bridge, including 2 interiors: inside southern towpath arch, northern stone arch with brick vault (small path). Create your own photoreal reconstruction and explore every one, more scenes means more photos, more angles and more of the immersive experience.

Northern (town) approach and toll-houseSouthern bank approach and towpath archesOn the deck at mid-spanRiverbank under-arch viewInside southern towpath archNorthern stone arch with brick vault (small path)Close-up of outer rib inscription and ironwork detail

Build Your Own Castle