Lincoln Hill Limestone Workings

The small Shropshire town of Ironbridge has become world famous for the cast iron bridge constructed across the River Severn, and the contribution the area made to the industrial revolution. Industry has now given way to the footsteps of visitors throughout the summer, most of whom are unaware of the hidden industrial remains still situated on the hillsides lining the gorge, preferring instead to take in the sights of the region's museums and conserved tourist attractions. Set back from a public footpath, just a short distance from the main road through the town, lies the entrance to Lincoln Hill limestone workings.

The hillside behind Ironbridge was being worked for limestone by 1800, with access to the mine workings provided by adits and a number of shafts that descended from higher up the hillside. The Lincoln Hill mine finally closed in 1907, although output in the latter years had fallen to around 600 tons per year, with only a handful of men working the stone.

Although suitably equipped underground explorers could still enter the workings via a 100ft shaft up until the 1980's, in more recent years the workings have been totally in-filled and stabilised. The only evidence left is the half hidden tunnel which enters the hill in a straight line before meeting collapsed rubble where the infilling begins.