Ironbridge Gorge in flood

"The world's first iron bridge spans the Ironbridge Gorge in Shropshire in the English Midlands. Through the gorge runs the River Severn, which is prone to flooding - and becoming more so, through climate change. The Ironbridge Gorge is often called the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. The area contains all the elements of progress that contributed to the rapid development of this industrial region in the 18th century, 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. The bridge at Ironbridge had a considerable influence on developments in the fields of technology and architecture. This recording was made at the highest point of the arch of the bridge, at a time when the river was in flood and parts of the surrounding area were inaccessible as a result. You hear the rush of the water some 18m below the bridge, the voices of tourists and visitors walking past, the sounds of the town (stereo L) and a passing light aeroplane, and an angrily barking dog! You also hear the clicking and beeping of tourists' cameras as they photograph the flooding, including one who stands directly above the recorder, then accidentally kicks it over and apologises! 

"Many thousands of people visit the Iron Bridge and the surrounding area (UNESCO WHS) but mostly in fine weather. Local people's experience of the Gorge inevitably includes experiencing the impact of flooding, hence I thought it was important to capture a sound few visitors will have heard."

UNESCO listing: Ironbridge Gorge

Recorded by Jim Hawkins.

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This sound is part of the Sonic Heritage project, exploring the sounds of the world’s most famous sights.

Find out more and explore the whole project: https://www.citiesandmemory.com/heritage