INDUSTRIAL EVOLUTION

The National Trust is welcoming the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ironbridge Gorge into its portfolio

- by MATT NIXSON

IRONBRIDGE in Shropshire is famed throughout the world as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution and an enduring symbol of the technological progress that contributed to Britain's rapid development as an 18th Century manufacturing powerhouse.

From the blast furnace of Coalbrookdale where, in 1708, Abraham Darby perfected iron smelting powered by coke instead of charcoal, to the Iron Bridge itself - the world's first span constructed of iron to showcase new casting technology and opened for use in 1781 - the region had a considerable influence on the fields of technology, architecture and manufacturing.

Today Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site remains globally important, listed by UNESCO, meaning it's recognised internationally as being "of outstanding value to humanity".

And the Trust's acquisition, made possible thanks to £9million of funding from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, and support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England, will safeguard its future for generations.