Ironbridge

Thank you for this photo. Wrong location, of course! (See my "Misplaced?" comment.) You give a wonderful sense of the semi-circular principle on which is was built. It's tracery seems so light and delicate compared to the apparent "heaviness" of its stone approaches. Yet, just think, this is the world's first cast-iron bridge. Derby had no "mathematics" to help him. If this bridge had failed, it would have spelled total disaster for the newly emerging cast-iron industry. What courage and confidence the man had in his product!

Mark, I would like permision to use this as an illustration in a lecture I am giving on Quaker history.

you are welcomed to use this photo for the lecture.

Thanks. :)

I like th I would love to visit this place one day.

Superb shot. I might add though to maxwell's comment on Derby. The bridge is constructed though in cast iron he used the same principals for the structure as if they were building in wood, hence the iron bridge is vastly over engineered. Derby was a very clever man and by this method of hedging ones bets ensured that the industrial revolution evolved as it did. There is I feel a moral to this story 'Always check recheck to ensure success'. Maybe something the banks should done with our currant world problems.:)

Respect and Honour Peter

Lovely shot. I am yet to achieve the reflection in the water to the same high standard that you have achieved. One day!!

Ugborough Exile

Beautiful shot. I wish I'd taken it... Symmetrical and crisp... I want to be there; almost feel like I am.