Ironbridge Shropshire

[bricro]

Is it true that the "kink" in the middle of the bridge was formed by pressure on the bridge, by the river banks?

Thank you in advance,Bricro.

[Grunty]

I live a short walk from the bridge and am a fairly frequent visitor to the local batch of museums. I have never heard that theory, which seems unlikely. Although there is movement near the river banks a mile or so downstream, I think it is caused partly by old mine workings and by unstable banks. The bridge is now in the centre of a small town and nothing seems affected by movement. I have a picture of the bridge (not original unfortunately) dated 1787 and it is the present shape. I think the raised centre was to accommodate the masts of river barges when the river was navigable for many more miles. For more information contact The Ironbridge Gorge Museums, Coach Road, Coalbrookdale, Telford TF8 7DQ. www.ironbridge.org.uk e-mail: [email protected]

[bricro]

Very many thanks Grunty,Bricro.