Evidence of the force of the mighty River Severn
As you drive along through the gorge you will see evidence of different landslides from the forces of the river’s rise and fall.

The fact that all the six main bridges have had some help at one time or another in strengthening their structure or rebuilding them shows the force with which it rushes down to the sea from Wales.

The River Severn stills floods almost every Winter, creating spectacular waterscapes throughout the Ironbridge Gorge and across Shropshire.

In the towns, including Ironbridge, there are now defences to prevent the floods from damaging homes and business, though some have argued that this is now increasing the water levels in the more rural areas.

There are plaques throughout the town with water lines and dates .

Perhaps the greatest flood was that of 12 February 1795 when the river froze and then melted and rose over 20 feet in height. There is a plaque attesting to this on the front of the O’Leary’s for Lunch cafe and the antique shop on the left as you turn onto Dale Road. This plaque states that the flood waters rose to the top of that plaque from the river’s normal level.

At the Iron Bridge itself you will find a water level marker, so you can gauge whether or not the river its up or down as you watch it flow by.

At the Boat Inn you will find on the outside of the far right door of the pub a series of water marks with dates showing the height of the floods.

The three highest known floods to date are:

1st November 2000 - 19'6"

19th February 1946 - 19'5"

21st March 1947 - 19'1"

Although the flood of 1795 isn’t indicated let us presume for the sake of history that it was still the most serious!

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