This was the first structure in the world made from cast iron.
Built in 1779 by a team of pioneering industrialists, the Iron Bridge was made possible through advances in iron smelting that took place in the century before. Casting such large parts was complicated and required skills developed over generations. A long line of Quaker ironfounders were involved. Abraham Darby I of Coalbrookdale, first experimented with the use of roasted coal, or coke, instead of charcoal in the production of iron in 1709. His grandson, Abraham Darby III, later funded much of the construction of the Iron Bridge out of his own pocket, and paid £3000 towards its construction.
In the 1970's the site came under the guardianship of English Heritage and its predecessors, and was one of the first places in the UK to be inscribed onto the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites.
REQUIREMENTS TO LOG THIS VIRTUAL.
At, or within a few metres from listed coordinates:
1. Take a photo of yourself, your GPS device or hold a note showing your caching name, whilst positioned centre of the bridge, also showing the cast iron section with the words "ERECTED IN 1779"
2. Send to the CO by the geocaching message or email system, the answer to the following question - Centre Bridge on the raised footpath section (either side) is a cast iron inspection cover - what is the last word on this casting? - it is 7 letters long.
Any finds logged not fulfilling these requirements will have the log deleted.
I have added waypoints for paid parking. There is also limited roadside parking along The Wharfage , 45 mins max during the daytime. Also paid parking at The Square adjacent to The Tontine Hotel, at the north side of the bridge.
Virtual Rewards 4.0 - 2024-2025
This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between January 17, 2024 and January 17, 2025. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards 4.0 on the Geocaching Blog.