Hidden in the beautiful Severn River valley, Ironbridge is both
the birthplace of the Industrial revolution and home to the
first bridge to ever be made from cast iron. It didn't always
look as it does now. During the 1700's it was the heart of iron
production in the world and it was here that new techniques of
using coke rather than coal in the furnaces were invented This
allowed the production of higher quality iron that was
affordable than ever before. With natural supplies of coal, wood
and iron ore, the Gorge was swiftly transformed into an
industrial Hell where dozens of blast furnaces set fire to the
sky and the smoke wreathed through the valley turning the whole
area into a living version of Dante's inferno. It is said that
at the time the life span of the average Ironbridge worker was
eight years. Today it is a beautiful retreat and the remains of
the old mines, furnaces and potteries add a mysterious and
historic charm but it is also said that it is haunted by the
many souls that gave their lives to