This film is part of Free

Ironbridge Gorge: Conservation Area
The birthplace of the Industrial Revolution becomes a nursery for the study and conservation of our industrial past.
Overview
The world's first iron arched bridge spans more than its eponymous gorge - it's also a vital link with our industrial heritage. This episode of the This Week in Britain series, sponsored by the Central Office of Information, brought this important Shropshire landmark to audiences across the Commonwealth and beyond. A reflection of the growing recognition, in the second half of the 20th century, that archaeology and conservation shouldn't be confined to Roman ruins and castles.
This was number 769 of the weekly series, giving some idea of its longevity (it ran until 1980). The area has since been designated as a World Heritage Site and the Ironbridge Gorge Museums Trust now boasts ten museums in the area. This government film is a public record, preserved and presented by the BFI National Archive on behalf of The National Archives, home to more than 1,000 years of British history.
Related

New Perspectives: Fish Tank New Perspectives: Fish Tank
Short documentary 2025 4 mins
Adam Smith of Northumbria University explains why Andrea Arnold's coming-of-age story, about a girl who uses dance to escape, is his favourite film on BFI Player.

New Perspectives: Pusher New Perspectives: Pusher
Short documentary 2025 5 mins
Noah Ball of Northumbria University explains why you should seize the chance to watch Nicolas Winding Refn's debut.

Twin Peaks star Kyle MacLachlan on working with David Lynch - Q&A Twin Peaks star Kyle MacLachlan on working with David Lynch - Q&A
Inside Film 2025 38 mins
Kyle MacLachlan talks to BFI CEO Ben Roberts about working with David Lynch on the legendary series Twin Peaks.

On Falling - Exclusive Q&A On Falling - Exclusive Q&A
Inside Film 2025 30 mins
Writer-director Laura Carreira talks to Nia Childs about her debut feature, On Falling.

Layla - Exclusive Q&A Layla - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2025 27 mins
Writer, director and performer Amrou Al-Kadhi talks to Rico Johnson-Sinclair about their debut feature.

All We Imagine As Light - Exclusive Q&A All We Imagine As Light - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2025 28 mins
Payal Kapadia discusses her Cannes prize-winning and Bafta-nominated drama with Ashanti Omkar.