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The
Ironbridge Gorge Museums
One of Shropshire's
top attractions, the Ironbridge Gorge is known as the Birthplace
of the Industrial Revolution and has been designated a World
Heritage site.
But nowadays the
gorge is far from industrial in nature - most of the original
factories closed years ago and the natural beauty of the Severn
Valley has been restored.
A few of the key
remnants have been carefully restored to create an extensive
series of Victorian / Industrial Revolution themed museums,
most are operated by the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust.
The main IGMT sites
are:
The Iron Bridge
Built in 1779 it has recently been refurbished and painted
and looks much younger than its years. Close by is an array
of pubs, wine bars, unusual gift shops and the Information
Centre.
See Photo Feature
The Museum of
the Gorge
Located on on the bank of the River Severn close to the Iron
Bridge, the museum is a good place to start your tour of the
Gorge. An audio-video presentation will give you a flavour
of what the gorge has to offer and there also is a scale model
showing the area in Victorian times.
See
Photo Feature
Enginuity
Located in Coalbrookdale on the same site as the Museum of
Iron, Enginuity is the newest of the attractions within the
Ironbridge Gorge. An interactive design and technology centre
that aims to inspire and capture the imagination of everyone
intrigued by the secrets of how things around them are made
and how they work.
See Photo Feature
Museum of Iron
& Darby Houses
Located in Coalbrookdale where you can see the original Darby
furnace where ground breaking technology was used to smelt
iron, including that used in the construction of the Iron
Bridge across the River Severn. Nearby are the beautifully
restored Darby Houses where you can experience what life was
like for the Darby family during the reign of Queen Victoria.
See Photo
Feature
Blists Hill
Victorian Town
One of the most popular attractions - a living outdoor museum
where all the staff dress in period costume. Visit a host
of restored Victorian buildings, shops, factories, schools
to name just a few
See Photo Feature
The Coalport
China Museum
The former Coalport china works has now been converted into
an exhibition area to display the National Collections of
Caughley and Coalport china. Demonstration workshops and shop.
See Photo Feature
The Tar Tunnel
Located a short distance from the China Museum, the tunnel
is an unusual source of natural bitumem.
See Photo Feature
Jackfield Tile
Museum
Displays of decorative tiles, geological exhibitions, workshops
and shop.
Broseley Pipeworks
Restored tobacco pipe-making works
See Photo Feature
Opening Times
Current opening times and admission
for the museums can be found on the official web site:
Official
Ironbridge Museums Website
More Information:
Ironbridge
Gorge Information
Accommodation:
Hotels
& Bed & Breakfast in Ironbridge
Self
catering accommodation in Ironbridge
Please
mention you saw it on
Virtual Shropshire when visiting!
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