UNESCO criteria
Criterion (I)
to represent a masterpiece of human creative genius:
The Coalbrookdale blast furnace perpetuates in situ the creative effort of Abraham Darby I who discovered the production technique of smelting iron using coke instead of charcoal in 1709. It is a masterpiece of man's creative genius in the same way as the Iron Bridge, which is the first known metal bridge. It was built in 1779 by Abraham Darby III from the drawings of the architect Thomas Farnolls Pritchard.
Criterion (II)
to exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design;
The Coalbrookdale blast furnace and the Iron Bridge exerted great infulence on the development of techniques and architecture.
Criterion (IV)
to be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history:
Ironbridge Gorge provides a fascinating summary of the development of an industrial region in modern times. Mining centres, transformation industries, manufacturing plants, workers' quarters, and transport networks are sufficiently well preserved to make up a coherent ensemble whose educational potential is considerable.
Criterion (VI)
to be directly or tanglibly associated with events or living traditionals, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance:
Ironbridge Gorge, which opens its doors to in excess of one million visitors yearly, is a world renowned symbol of the 18th century Industrial Revolution.
This is overseen by Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and advised by Historic England.
