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Bridges and Churches

Telford’s first major civil engineering work was the Montfort Bridge crossing the River Severn a few miles west of Shrewsbury.  Built of red sandstone the bridge was completed in 1792.  Other bridges soon followed.

Montfort Bridge in 2004. Photograph courtesy of Chris Morris.

The same year, Telford was appointed Architect and Superintendent of the Works for the parish church of  St Mary Magdalene at Bridgnorth.  The first of many churches he would design in Shropshire.

Aston Cantlop Bridge in 2004.  The only one of Telford’s Shropshire iron bridges still in its original position. Photograph courtesy of Chris Morris.

Following completion of the church at Bridgnorth Telford decided to tour the country studying architecture.  He visited Gloucester, Worcester, Bath, London and Oxford inspecting their churches and colleges.  Back at home in Shrewsbury he became a favourite among the gentry of Shropshire, his work was well received and his services were in demand.

Telford’s first church in Shropshire, St Mary Magdalene’s at Bridgnorth in 2004. Photograph courtesy of Chris Morris.