2nd June 2010

Horsing About In Ironbridge Gorge

On Saturday, 12 June Blists Hill Victorian Town in Shropshire’s Ironbridge Gorge will stage a special event to demonstrate the important role played by horses in daily life over a hundred years ago. Around ten horses across a range of breeds and sizes will be on show, some wearing traditional harness while others will be highly decorated as they would have appeared on high days and holidays.

Amongst the special equine visitors will be several Shires, a Clydesdale and a Welsh pony; there will also be a chance to see a mare with her young foal. Visitors will be able to watch the farrier at work shoeing horses in the town’s own Blacksmith’s forge. Contrasting with the enormous size of these beautiful animals, there will also be an exhibition of miniature horse drawn vehicles and implements in the Goods Shed by the Guild of Model Wheelwrights.

A Passport, to all ten of the Ironbridge Gorge Museums valid for twelve months and multiple return visits, costs £21.95 per adult, £17.60 for the 60 plus, £14.25 for students and children and £59.95 for a family of two adults and three children aged up to 18 years in full time education; under 5s free. Individual museum entry tickets are also available.

The museums are open seven days a week from 10am until 5pm; activities and workshops vary day-to-day and some carry an extra charge in addition to the museum admission fee. For further information, contact the Ironbridge Tourist Information Centre on Tel: 01952 884 391 or visit

The Gorge is easily reached via the M6 and M54 motorways exiting at Telford (M54 junction 4 or 6).