The constantly shifting river banks and the weight of stone in the abutments squeeze the Bridge, cracking ironwork and buckling the deck. The first reports of cracking in the Bridge abutments were made as early as 1784, and repair and maintenance has been necessary and regular ever since.
Stone Abutments
This view of the bridge clearly shows the massive stone abutments, the weight of which cracked the ironwork when the river banks shifted. The south abutment was demolished in 1802, long before this view was published in 1823.
Cast Iron Bridge over the River Severn near Coalbrookdale
Acc No: AE185.771
Dubourg, M. (engraver)
Wooden Side Arches
This sketch from the north bank of the river looking towards Benthall shows the wooden side arches that replaced the stone abutment between 1802 and 1821.
Iron Bridge, Colebrookdale
Acc No: 1978.225.3
Holdsworth, Arthur Howe (artist)
Iron Land Arches
Iron land arches were built on the south side of the river in 1821 to reduce the weight of the abutment. A heavily laden cart makes its way up Tontine Hill and three men weigh wool on the north bank.
Ironbridge
Acc No: 1978.73
Fidlor, J. (attrib.) (artist)
1935 after closure to traffic
The Iron Bridge in 1935 just after closure to traffic and scheduling as an ancient monument. The buildings next to the Bridge were demolished in May 1946 to make way for a planned replacement bridge.
The Iron Bridge
Acc No: 1976.28
Temple, Vera Louise (artist)
During restoration
Work in progress in September 1973, a year after the northern abutment was emptied of rubble and strengthened with concrete. A concrete strut to keep the abutments apart was built below water level, within the safety of a coffer dam.
The Iron Bridge during restoration
Acc No: 1987.597
Damage to the Iron Bridge
Bank movement has resulted in over 70 fractures in the Bridge ironwork. English Heritage carried out a full survey during 1999-2000 to record and photograph the entire Bridge.
Damage to the Iron Bridge
Acc No: F22.11
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