A significant change is coming to one of Britain's most important historical landmarks. The Ironbridge Gorge in Shropshire, a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, will be transferred to the National Trust next year.
A New Chapter for an Industrial Gem
With the support of a £9 million government grant, the National Trust will replace the current Ironbridge Gorge Museums Trust in 2026. This funding enables the transfer of the site's extensive collection, which includes ten museums and 35 listed heritage buildings and Scheduled Monuments.
The site's crown jewel is the world's first cast iron bridge, constructed in 1779 to connect the industrial area of Coalbrookdale across the River Severn. This engineering marvel used innovative techniques that blended carpentry with local iron-making prowess, and its significance was such that the entire area became known as Ironbridge.
Securing a Vital Heritage Asset
This transition promises to secure the long-term future of a site that attracts 330,000 visitors annually from the West Midlands, across the UK, and beyond. By joining the National Trust, the museums will benefit from the charity's strong brand and its vast membership base, ensuring this key piece of British heritage continues to educate and inspire.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy emphasised the site's importance, stating: "As the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, it is absolutely vital that the museums in the Ironbridge Gorge are protected as a key heritage asset in this country and a significant contributor to jobs and the economy in the Shropshire area."
A Legacy of Ingenious Britons
The Ironbridge Gorge is not just a single bridge but a vast open-air museum showcasing the engineering breakthroughs that shaped the modern world. From the Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron to the Old Furnace, the site tells the story of the ingenious Britons who pioneered everything from steam engines to iron boats.
This handover to the National Trust marks a new era for preserving the legacy of the Industrial Revolution, ensuring that the story of Britain's world-changing engineering prowess remains accessible for generations to come.
