The government has pledged £12 million towards the conservation of Ironbridge Gorge, regarded as the birthplace of the industrial revolution. The World Heritage Site, in Telford, is threatened by landslides and slippage, and the money will contribute to protecting the site and the tourist industry it supports.
The site, which is home to the world’s first ever cast iron bridge, attracts over half a million visitors a year and generates around £20 million for the Shropshire economy. It was developed in the 18th century, based on plentiful supplies of coal and iron ore, and was described in 1837 as “the most extraordinary district in the world.”
Alongside the famous bridge, built in 1779, there are museums and some of the oldest examples of industrial property to be found anywhere in the world. These include foundries, workshops, factories and warehouses. Cracks in the bridge were first reported only a few years after its completion and regular maintenance has been necessary ever since.
Announcing the government’s contribution, Communities Secretary Eric Pickles promised that it would help to preserve Ironbridge’s place in history and protect it for generations to come.
He said; “The picturesque 18th century Ironbridge Gorge stands as a monument to modernity and the industrial revolution – a testament to British ingenuity and ambition that has been universally protected as a World Heritage Site for all to marvel at. This summer we have seen just how much there is to be proud of in Great Britain so it is vital that we do not let places like Ironbridge Gorge deteriorate or slide out of sight.”
The site was awarded World Heritage status by UNESCO in 1986. Today the UK has 28 World Heritage Sites.
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