Ironbridge Gorge (1986)
Great Britain
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In Ironbridge, known worldwide as the symbol of the
Industrial Revolution, all the elements of progress developed in an 18th
century industrial region can be found, from the mines themselves to the
railway lines.
Nearby, the blast furnace of Coalbrookdale, built in 1708, is a reminder of the discovery of coke, which, together with the bridge at Ironbridge, the first metallic bridge in the world, had considerable influence on the evolution of technology and architecture.
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The above stamp exists also in a horizontal design, included in a sheet that was sold for a premium being used for the Stamp World London 90 International Stamp Exhibition.
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It was in Shropshire that the Industrial revolution first started. For here, the great Quaker Ironmaster Abraham Darby the First, discovered the secret of smelting iron with cheap and plentiful coke instead of expensive and less efficient charcoal.
A British booklet of 10 stamps at 10p, with an illustration of Ironbridge, Telford, Salop. It is the first of six illustrations by Norman Battershill on Industrial Archeology. Printed by Harrison & Sons Ltd. The stamps included in the book are not related to Ironbridge Gorge, but are 10p Machins in a dark orange colour, intended for first class letters/cards, inland rate. Image by courtesy of Mr. Gerry Fisk (Great Britain).
Whilst Britain's first iron-making centre may be a peaceful place today, in the past it was filled with smoke, fire and blast furnaces from which the sounds and smells of early industry arose, bearing the first iron rails, wheels, boats, the first steam locomotive, as well as the first iron bridge.
Source and link:
Other World Heritage Sites in Great Britain (on this site). Inactive links are not described on postage stamps. Please refer to the UNESCO-listing, United Kingdom Section, for further information about the individual properties.
Revised 19 jul 2006 |
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