Iron Bridge crowdfunding campaign hits £40,000 target in a week

English Heritage launched its first ever crowd funding campaign on November 13, the first day of its vital conservation project on the world’s first iron bridge, and by 3.15pm on 20 November, nearly 800 supporters had helped the charity raise more than £40,000 towards the project.

The target is complemented by a €1 million donation from the German Hermann Reemtsma Foundation, providing a much-needed boost to the charity’s conservation project to save the Iron Bridge.

Morgan Cowles, head of conservation maintenance at English Heritage said: "The support we have received has been overwhelming and we are delighted that nearly 800 people have stepped in to help us reach our target in just over a week.

"The funds raised will now help English Heritage undertake our vital conservation project to save the Iron Bridge.

“It has been an inspiring week, and the generosity of those who have come forward to help us protect this important piece of our heritage has been incredible. We are so grateful to everyone who has donated, and we look forward to welcoming many of the bridge’s supporters on their special conservation-in-action tours in 2018.”

Mr Cowles said that people can still support the project with donations, despite the campaign having reached its target.

He said: “For those who still want to be part of the project, I am delighted to report that the Crowdfunder page will remain open for donations until Sunday, December 10. All donations beyond the target will continue to support the conservation of the Iron Bridge.”

The Iron Bridge has spanned the River Severn in Shropshire since 1779, but English Heritage’s extensive surveys and investigations have shown that it is under threat from cracking due to stresses in the ironwork dating from the original construction, ground movement over the centuries, and an earthquake at the end of the 19th century.

Money collected from the extended campaign will go towards helping to paint the 378 ton bridge.

The finishing touches will include hand-painting of each letter of the inscription that stretches along the Iron Bridge’s span over the river. The inscription links the bridge with the town of Coalbrookdale, where the metal was cast.

The paint used across the bridge will match the original colour and will be sensitive to the historic iron.

English Heritage said that the work would protect the bridge from damage caused by wind and rain for decades to come.

People who wish to donate can do so by visiting crowdfunder.co.uk/project-iron-bridge/.

As well as helping with English Heritage’s vital conservation project to save the Iron Bridge, donors can receive special ‘conservation-in-action’ tours of the bridge or get their hands on a limited edition print of the Iron Bridge by renowned designer Paul Catherall.