Visit Blists Hill Victorian Town, near Ironbridge in Shropshire over the spring half-term break between 27th May and 4th June and discover more about Victorian engineering heroes and inspirational inventors, all of whom would have been regarded as superheroes of their day. Across the Town there will be a range of fun hands-on activities, all of which are part of the Ironbridge Gorge Museums' 50th anniversary celebrations.

Have a go at packing tea in the Grocers and learn about Ferdinand de Lesseps. The French diplomat and engineer was the driving force behind the building of the Suez Canal, which halved journey times from India and made tea more affordable for working people. Then learn about Morse Code in the Town's Post Office; Samuel Morse revolutionised long distance communication and allowed people to send messages across the world.

Transform your smartphone into a 'Box Brownie' camera with a special cover at the Photographers and hear about Julia Cameron, one of the greatest Victorian photographers who was known for her portraits of celebrities. Between 11am and 1pm, you can thread a bolt in the Machine Shop using the standardised thread system invented by British engineer, Sir Joseph Whitworth. 

Go along to Speakers Corner at 2pm where all ages can follow in the footsteps of the famous Victorian social campaigner Millicent Fawcett, who fought for women to have the right to vote. Props and scripts will be available to help you get into character. And finally try the Izod tester in the Ironworks between 2pm and 4pm; named after its inventor, Edwin Gilbert Izod, the tester determines the impact strength of metals.

On Bank Holiday Monday, 29th May only, Blists Hill's own 'engineers' will demonstrate how a large, steel oil drum can be crushed using less than a cup of water. This simple but very effective 'trick' was developed by Thomas Newcomen when he invented the world's first steam engine.

There will also be a self-led trail around Blists Hill to discover more about the heroes who lived during the Victorian era as well as lessons in the Victorian School House, lunchtime and afternoon sing-a-longs in the New Inn and rides in the horse-drawn bus between 1.30 and 3pm.

Information for visitors

Many of the museums are open from 10am until 4pm (Blists Hill until 4.30pm) during the spring half-term holidays. See website for details. A great value Annual Passport Ticket allowing unlimited entry into all ten Ironbridge Gorge Museums costs £25 per adult, £20 for seniors, £15 for children (16 years or under), £68 for a family of two adults and all their children and £50 for a family with one adult; under 5s free (terms and conditions apply); Passports can also be bought online in advance saving 10% and individual entry tickets are available at each museum. Activities will vary from day-to-day and some additional costs will apply.

For further information, call the Ironbridge Tourist Information Centre on 01952 433 424 or visit www.ironbridge.org.uk. The Gorge is easily reached via the M54 motorway exiting at Telford junction 4 or 6.

Ends

For press enquiries, images or to arrange review visit please contact:

Pat Edgar, PR Matters Tel:  01494 764932

Email: PRMatters@talktalk.net

May 2017