Scaffolding coming down at Ironbridge's historic Bedlam Furnaces

A major project is underway at Bedlam Furnaces to protect it from the elements and repair it to ensure it is maintained for future generations.

It has been covered in scaffolding for a number of weeks, while a huge canopy is put over the site, making sure it is not damaged further by winds and rain.

Each purlin, or horizontal roof beam, installed to hold up the new canopy weighs around six tonnes.

Now that work is complete, the project is continuing to touch-up some of the masonry.

The Bedlam Furnaces are classed as being “at risk” by Historic England, and work has now begun to protect the site for the future.

The Grade II* listed Scheduled Ancient Monument, just off the B4373, is in need of urgent stabilisation and conservation.

Several severe winters and the exposed nature of the structure have caused the deterioration of the brickwork and hard cappings and the general deterioration in its condition.

It is thought to be the last surviving furnace of its kind in the country.

While Abraham Darby I came to Coalbrookdale in 1708 or 1709 to begin work perfecting the use of coke to smelt iron, it wasn’t until about two or three decades later that it took off.

The total build will take about four months and the project is set to cost £1.2 million