Iron Bridge

Built over the River Severn in Shropshire, England, the Iron Bridge was the first arch bridge in the world to be buit from cast iron. In the past cast iron was thought too expensive to be used on large scale projects but thanks to a new blast furnace nearby the cost was lowered and local engineers and architects were inspired to fix the long standing problem of crossing the river. Conceptualized by Thomas Pritchard in 1773 the bridge's construction began in 1777, the very year that Pritchard died. In 1779 Abraham Darby III, local foundry owner, finished the construction and the bridge was opened on New Year's Day 1781.

The Iron Bridge attracted attention worldwide and became a symbol for the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. Today many museums are opened in its honor and it is a World Heritage Site. It's influence is undeniable and continues to inspire large scale cast iron works.

One such large scale cast iron work, probably the most notable, is the Eiffel Tower. Built in 1889 by Gustave Eiffel for the World's Fair it has become synonymous with France and one of the most recognizable structures in the world. It is built entirely out of cast iron and and at the time was the largest structure in the world. Today it is still the largest structure in paris and the most visited paid monument in the world.