Iron Bridge

Near Shrewsbury in the Severn River gorge is the first bridge built using cast iron. Finished in 1778 during the American Revolution it is fascinating to see. 

 They didn’t know how strong the mew material would be so they erred on the side of caution and have more supporting structure than needed.  Not knowing how to build with the material they built the bride as if it was made of wood using all the traditional timber joining techniques. Any rivets you see in the pictures are modern repairs. Bolts are original.

 

When completed, it cost a half penny to cross. Everyone, even royalty paid.  Poorer people could pay less and cross by a coracle ferry.