Ironbridge and Shrewsbury

We took a day between groups and went south to two towns: Ironbridge and Shewsbury. They are located in the Midlands of England and this area looks very different from Northern England.

Iron bridge is noted for the large Iron Bridge that was built by a man named Abraham Darby III in 1779. It was the first cast iron bridge to be built anywhere in the world, and cost considerably more than anticipated, leaving Darby in debt for the rest of his short life!

I am always amazed at the genius of some people! The things they create in their brains and then bring to fruition --- like iron bridges!!!

So what if Darby died penniless. Look at the monument he created in his memory.

The River Severn flows through this
valley and towards nuclear reactors
Have you ever seen the painting titled: Swans on the Severn
Look closely and you can see the baby swan riding on it's mothers back!



In Ironbridge they have recreated a Victorian Village, much like Williamsburg or Pioneer Village at Lagoon.

The village is a re creation of the age of coal smeltering that was used to make the iron.

The village streets with the horse drawn carriages speak of days gone by.

At one point I heard a little girl aske her grandmother if she lived during Victorian times. The grandmother spoke right up and said, "Of course I did!" And why not, the woman looked all of 62!

We left Ironbridge and went on to Shrewsbury. This is a historic Tudor Town complete with black and white buildings -- some look like they are ready to topple!







It was another great day and VERY warm. What a pleasant surprise. Bet many of you wish for such a day, given the weather in the states!