1-345-368 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

View of the iron bridge over the river Severn, Coalbrook Dale, Shropshire, 19th century. The development of coke smelting in Coalbrookdale by Abraham Darby I and his family in the 18th century revolutionised the production of iron and helped fuel the Industrial Revolution. This bridge was the first in the world to use cast-iron structurally and was built because ferries on the River Severn had become busy and expensive. It was designed by Thomas Farnolls Pritchard and built by Abraham Darby III.