Telford – Shropshire: City With A 1963 Beginning Date
Before the charter that created Dawley New town in 1963, the area including the communities of Dawley, Madeley, Wellington and Oakengates was used for agricultural or residential purposes. Over the intervening years, the planned new town was named Telford after British civil engineering specialist, Thomas Telford. Telford – Shropshire showed an amazing growth rate, becoming the largest Shropshire community and one of the fastest growing cities in the United Kingdom.
The planned community houses a modern shopping mall, a Town Park and the M54 motorway to facilitate connections to the West Midlands. The town charter was issued in 1963. Office complexes, entertainment venues and schools are all of recent construction and reflect state of the art methods and principles.
Ironbridge Gorge near Telford was original called Severn Gorge. The gorge is formed by the Severn River that borders the southern edge of Telford. The area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts tourists from all over.
Movement of iron ore from the mining town of Madeley and Coalbrookdale where the ore was processed into iron was made easier in 1779. A cast iron bridge over the Severn Gorge was erected to replace ferry traffic between the two locations. The gorge was renamed Ironbridge Gorge after the bridge. The easy congress between the two areas improved the economic basis for both communities. The importance of iron in the industrial revolution is part of Telford’s claim to be the “Birthplace of Industry.”
Near the city of Telford you can find other tourist destinations of interest. Shropshire County boasts The Wrekin. The 1335 foot high landmark is enjoyed by walkers. The Black County, Staffordshire and Shropshire counties are known as the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The Lilleshall Monument was erected to honor the 1st Duke of Sutherland. He was Ambassador to France in the late 1700s and reputed to be richest man of the 18th century. He was controversial for his role in the Highland Clearances. Sunnycroft is a significant Victorian estate with original fittings and fixtures. It was built in 1880 and held by the same family during its entire history. It currently belongs to the National Trust.
Telford – Shropshire is known for participation in various types of sports clubs, including amateur leagues, semi-professional and professional clubs. The AFC Telford United Football Club plays locally at New Bucks Head stadium. The city is also noted for teams playing ice hockey, rugby, American football and snookers.
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