SOLVING THE IRON BRIDGE RIDDLE |
| Historians claim to have
solved the mystery of how Shropshire's world famous Iron Bridge was
constructed. And experts from English Heritage say their findings rule out the theory that the bridge was the first to be manufactured with mass produced components. The results of the new research will be unveiled in a BBC Timewatch programme being screened on Friday. Using state-of-the-art computer technology, archaeologists and experts from English Heritage's survey team have revealed that each part of the bridge was individually cast and tapered to fit as construction went along, using centuries-old carpentry techniques. Sir Neil Cossons, chairman of English Heritage, said the findings made Abraham Darby's 223-year-old bridge even more unique. "The Iron Bridge was the last great monument of the age of craftsmanship," he said. "But being made of metal, it stands absolutely on the cusp of the modern age, signalling such engineering feats of the future as the Eiffel Tower, the Forth Bridge and the London Eye. "The bridge became a tourist attraction almost immediately it was built. I am delighted that our experts have succeeded in shedding new light on this extraordinary structure, which marked a turning point for mankind." To uncover the bridge's secrets the team created a high-resolution, three-dimensional computer model. Tony Flemming, inspector of ancient monuments at English Heritage in the West Midlands, said: "Merging traditional architecture and state-of-the-art techniques has given us a completely fresh understanding of the Iron Bridge and an exciting means of explaining it to a world public." |
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