Historic Ironbridge site in Shropshire receives £1.25m English Heritage funding
- Published
Iron Bridge repairs
The historic Ironbridge in Shropshire will receive £1.25m for essential maintenance work, it has been announced.
The bridge, the world's first single span made of iron, was erected over the River Severn in 1779.
Historians say the site is an important part of the early years of the Industrial Revolution.
English Heritage said the site has been damaged by stresses in the original ironwork and a 19th Century earthquake.
The work is set to begin in 2017.
English Heritage is putting £1.25m towards plans to renovate the Ironbridge World Heritage Site in Shropshire
Engineers have been investigating the bridge for the last three years, and are set to finish their examinations this week.
Kate Mavor, English Heritage's chief executive, said the renovations will ensure the Iron Bridge Gorge site "will continue to inspire us for generations to come".
"An iconic symbol of the Industrial Revolution, it is arguably the most important bridge ever built and without doubt, one of the most important sites in our care," she said.
Ironbridge: A history
Designed by Shrewsbury architect Thomas Pritchard, who died in 1777, it was erected in 1779 by Abraham Darby III
It was officially opened on New Year's Day in 1781, having cost £6,000 and used 378 tons of iron
It was in full use for 150 years, before it was closed and classed as an ancient monument in 1934
Ironbridge Gorge was declared a World Heritage Site in 1986 to recognise its importance as a pioneering part of the Industrial Revolution
Telford and Wrekin Borough Council own the site, which is managed by English Heritage
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