The Iron Bridge
Abraham Darby II first had it in mind to build a bridge over the Severn between Madeley Wood and Benthall as there was considerable expense and delay in ferrying stores of all kinds across the river, particularly the large quantities of limestone, hearthstones and firestones for the furnaces at Coalbrookdale and other surrounding ironworks. However, it was Abraham Darby III who, in 1775, got together a group of subscribers to plan the building of a bridge.
The sections were cast so that the assembly was done by slotting some sections through others at various points. The holes were large enough to allow the necessary considerable swing and movement during the placing in position and this play was taken up by cast iron wedges on completion. The bridge is thus a stable structure 'interlocked' in every part and having no bolted or riveted joints.
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