The Ironbridge Gorge UNESCO World Heritage Site

In 1986 the Ironbridge Gorge was one of the first locations to be designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the UK. 2026 will mark the 40th anniversary of the designation.

This designation recognised the area’s unique and unrivalled contribution to the birth of the Industrial Revolution in the 18th century; the impact of which is still felt across the world today.

  1. 1974.207 William Reynolds

    The Pioneers

    It was the achievements of pioneering industrialists including Abraham Darby, William Reynolds and John Wilkinson that led to the Ironbridge Gorge becoming by the close of the 18th century the most technologically advanced area in the world. The surviving built and natural environment with its museums, monuments and artefacts, including the world famous Iron Bridge, serve to remind us of the area’s unique contribution to the history and development of industrialised society. Image shows William Reynolds.

    Meet key figures in the history of the Gorge

  2. The Old Furnace - exterior

    UNESCO World Heritage Site status

    For over 30 years, UNESCO has been working with countries across the world to identify World Heritage Sites and ensure their safe keeping and protection for future generations. World Heritage Sites are selected because of their "Outstanding Universal Value" as natural or cultural sites. They enrich our lives and illustrate the diversity of the planet and its inhabitants. They are ours to share, cherish and respect, and their disappearance would be an irreparable loss to humanity.

  3. The Iron Bridge 1779

    Global significance

    There are now over 1050 World Heritage Sites worldwide and these are added to each year when the World Heritage Committee meets to consider new nominations. Included on the World Heritage List are many well known sites including the Pyramids of Egypt, the Taj Mahal, the Great Wall of China, and the Great Barrier Reef. There are 30 World Heritage Sites in the UK including Stonehenge, Durham Castle and Cathedral, the City of Bath, New Lanark and the Giants Causeway.

  4. Smiling woman and man wearing high visibility jackets in front of a railway track being cleaned by another man with a broom

    Responsibility

    Once a Site is on the List, the community and country where it is located have a responsibility to care for and protect it for the global community and future generations. National and local government, site owners, local and national organisations, residents and visitors all have a part to play to protect these unique and irreplaceable sites. There is also a responsibility to interpret and inform visitors and local communities about the significance of the Site and the principles of World Heritage.

  5. Guests Walking Across The Iron Bridge 06 22

    Benefits

    Being designated as a World Heritage Site brings enhanced national and international recognition which helps to strengthen the area’s tourism industry and provides access to funding to help ensure the long-term protection of the area for the benefit of all.

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