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Iron Mad Jack

Contemporary engraving of inside an eighteenth century ironworks.
© Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust

Wilkinson grew up in Cumbria. In 1753 his father, Isaac, became the manager of Bersham Ironworks. John initially worked here alongside his father. In 1757 he took over an ironworks in Shropshire. He made his money there selling cannon during the Seven Years War (1756-63).

In 1763 John Wilkinson took over the management of Bersham Ironworks from his father. It was only then that the ironworks expanded to become an important centre during the Industrial Revolution.

Bersham was just like this back in the eighteenth century.
© Science & Society Picture Library

Wilkinson provided money to help pay for the building of the famous Iron Bridge in Coalbrookdale. Some historians say he even came up with the original idea of making a bridge completely out of iron. He also designed an iron boat to carry freight on rivers and canals. His iron obsession eventually led him to build an iron chapel and to manufacture iron coffins.

Iron Bridge, William Williams 1780.
© Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust