In a landmark moment for Telford’s heritage, Lisa Nandy MP, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, today announced a major £9 million investment from the UK Government to secure the future of the internationally renowned Ironbridge Gorge Museums, a movement which safeguards the World Heritage Site Status first bestowed on the Gorge 40 years ago next year.
The announcement, made during the Secretary of State’s visit to Telford, also confirmed a new and transformative partnership with the National Trust, which will become the new custodians of the Ironbridge Gorge Museum’s in early 2026.
This historic agreement marks a powerful recognition of the cultural, historical, and educational importance of the Ironbridge Gorge – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and cradle of the Industrial Revolution.
The result of a tireless campaign led by Telford’s MP, Shaun Davies, the funding package and custodianship agreement ensures the preservation and revitalisation of one of the UK’s most treasured heritage destinations.
Shaun Davies, MP for Telford, said: “This is a proud day for Telford. From the moment I took office in July 2024 I made it my mission to fight for the future of our incredible cultural assets. The Ironbridge Gorge Museums are more than just buildings – they represent a living history of working-class Britain, they are a window into Shropshire’s past, the story before Telford and the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution.”
“This £9 million government investment and the new partnership with the National Trust is a game-changer – securing the future of these museums for generations to come. We owe it to those who came before us to protect this legacy, and now we can look to the future with pride and confidence.”
“Partnering with the National Trust – the UK’s leading organisation for protecting historic places and natural beauty – helps ensure that Telford’s museums are well cared for. It also shows that all of the museum sites are nationally recognised for their importance in telling the story of Britain’s industrial and social history.
Secretary of State for Culture Lisa Nandy MP praised the campaign efforts of Shaun Davies MP and the Ironbridge team, calling the investment “a bold commitment to our industrial heritage and a clear sign of the government’s belief in Telford’s national importance – and the importance of the World Heritage site in the Gorge”.
For local people, visitors, and history enthusiasts’ today’s news means the Ironbridge Gorge Museums will keep sharing Telford’s amazing story — the people, ideas, and inventions that helped change the world.
“As someone raised in Telford, I remember visiting the museums as a child,” Shaun Davies MP added. “Now, with this investment and the National Trust’s involvement, I know future generations will be able to walk those same paths and understand the powerful legacy we’re so lucky to inherit.”
Mark Pemberton Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust said the grant from the Government recognised the significance of the Museum. He thanked Shaun Davies for the part he had played in securing it and added: “Ironbridge was important as the birthplace of industry and now as a major tourist destination it plays a part in the success of the local economy.”
Paul Forecast, Regional Director, National Trust: “The Ironbridge Gorge is among the United Kingdom’s most significant heritage sites, a place which marks a turning point in our shared history. The National Trust is dedicated to preserving such unique places on behalf of the nation, and Ironbridge Gorge couldn’t be more at home in our care. We’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust who have looked after these special sites and collections since 1967, caring for them and sharing their story with visitors from around the globe. With the support of Arts Council England, Historic England, and National Lottery Heritage Fund we’re delighted to have secured a sustainable long-term future for Ironbridge Gorge.”
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