Ironbridge Gorge

The crossing at Ironbridge Gorge may seem like any ordinary iron bridge, but it is not. It is the very first iron bridge ever built, a symbol of progress, invention and innovation in Victorian England. It is actually considered the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution.It was in this sleepy town that Abraham Darby created an iron-making process that kicked off the industrial age. He discovered that melting iron with coke — a byproduct of coal — transformed the iron into a strong, serviceable building material. One that is still standing even today.


The town still resembled the Victorian era. We had fun peeking around and crossing the bridge. There are nearly 10 museums dotting the nearby countryside - a myriad of choices from which to learn about this important place in world history. And for my husband who majored in History, with a special interest in British history - this was right up his alley.
We went to the Blists Hill Open Air Museum. Blists Hill is a recreation of Walnut Grove from "Little House on the Prairie" - of course the prairie in this case is Victorian England. But you get the drift.
There was a general store complete with even more Easter chicks.
And ladies' fashion!

There was even an old-timey printing press. The printer ran a few copies through the printing press to show us how it worked. Connor thought it was pretty neat. The park was the equivalent of a "British Victorian Tweetsie Railroad" - that is the best analogy I know to describe this unique spot.

Blists Hill and Ironbridge Gorge was an unexpected adventure and history lesson. Will never again hear about the Industrial Age or Revolution without picturing the time we spent there.
Click here for full album of our LONG and eventful Easter Day all over England