Date | 28 August 2012 | ||
Location | Ironbridge Gorge Museums, Blists Hill, Telford | SJ 69603 03613; 52.62940°N, 2.45052°W | |
Information |
Blists Hill is an open-air museum run by the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust. It is one of ten museums operated by the trust in the Ironbridge Gorge in Shropshire — a World Heritage Site generally regarded as the scene of the start of the Industrial Revolution. Blists Hill opened in 1973 and the 52-acre former industrial complex is home to a recreated Victorian town, with costumed actors demonstrating the various exhibits. Industrial activity started at the site in the late 18th century with mining for coal, iron and clay. Blast furnaces and a brick and tile works were also later developed there. The remains of these industrial structures are incorporated into the museum, and the site also features a number of shops and businesses which have been either moved from their original locations and re-erected or built as replicas. Ironbridge Gorge Museums; Blists Hill Victorian Town (Wikipedia)
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Aye it’s a good day out – was there about 4 years ago when living at Shawbury
Yes, it is a great place to have a wander around. Thanks for stopping by Scott.
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Nice set of the signs here, reminds me of Beamish. Did you go to the ironworks? Been meaning to visit for ages on a day it is working. Most of the machinery was moved from the Atlas Forge in Bolton when that establishment shut in the late 70’s.
Yes, it is similar to Beamish, isn’t it? I did have a look in the foundry – on the day I was there they were busy making moulds, getting ready for casting the next day. Very interesting to see things in operation there, such as the winding engine and the replica Trevithick.
Sorry, I should have been more specific, it’s the wrought ironworks that I meant. The Bolton works closed when I was very young, so I have no memories of it, although my dad knew it. I bought a book from Bolton Museums a few years back of photos of how it was before it shut, incredible that the place was pretty much unchanged from the Victorian era and lasted until the seventies. Would love to see it in action!
Ah, yes, I had a quick look at the ironworks from the outside but unfortunately didn’t see inside. Oh well… maybe next time!
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Fascinating series of signs. Excellent.
Glad you liked them Dezra. Signs always seem to fascinate me – especially these antiquated ones.
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A grand set. I visited about 16 years ago with my then three year old son…we were both fascinated…and it looks as if it has lost none of it’s charm. Lovely photos.
Yes, I’d been there once before a few years ago, and enjoyed the visit on both occasions.
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