The World's Greatest Bridges

Channel 5 +1

4:55 AM to 5:40 AM

Monday 30 December

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In rural Shropshire, Rob Bell reveals how a breakthrough in iron production during the 18th century allowed structures to be built from metal on a scale that had hitherto been impossible. This led architect Thomas Farnolls Pritchard and ironmaster Abraham Darby to formulate a bold plan to design a bridge. However, their pioneering wonder was not easy to accomplish - the investors took fright and threatened to pull out, Pritchard died a month into the construction, and Darby staked his fortune on the project. The elegant Iron Bridge, which spans the River Severn, was the product of their endeavours