John Wilkinson (industrialist) - Ironbridge

Ironbridge

In 1775 John Wilkinson was the prime mover initiating the building of the Iron Bridge connecting the then important industrial town of Broseley with the other side of the River Severn. His friend Thomas Farnolls Pritchard, had written to him with plans for the bridge. A committee of subscribers was formed mostly including Broseley businessmen to agree the use of iron rather than wood or stone and obtain quotations and an authorising act of parliament. Wilkinson’s persuasion and drive held together the group support through several problems during the parliamentary process. Had Wilkinson not succeeded in this and also drawn support from influential parliamentarians the bridge might not have been built or might have been made of other materials. Consequently the name ‘Ironbridge’ would not have been coined for the district in Madeley, the area would not have attained the status of a World Heritage Site. Abraham Darby III was chosen as the preferred builder after quoting to build the bridge for £3,150/-/-. When building started Wilkinson sold his shares to Abraham Darby III in 1777, leaving the latter to steer the project to its successful conclusion in 1779 and be opened in 1781. In 1787 he launched the first iron barge, constructed in Broseley. He patented several other inventions.