The Woodbridge Inn

Coalport

About Us

Here is just a little info to let you get to know us better...

History

Here is a little potted history of our pub and the local area... if you have a spare minute or two and maybe a cup of tea (or is that a G&T), we think it's well worth a read.

The name "Woodbridge" comes from the bridge adjacent to the pub which connects the parish of Brosley on the south bank of the river and Sutton Maddock on the north bank. Architect and bridge builder William Hayward designed the bridge, which was the first crossing of the Severn at Coalport. His scheme encompassed two timber-framed arches built on stone abutments and a pier, and was opened in 1780.

The opening of the bridge was somewhat played down as the impending showcase 'Iron Bridge' further upstream was already being trumpeted as a technical masterpiece. The wooden bridge did not survive long unfortunately, as the central pier was severely damaged by flooding in a storm in 1795

A account of the flood from 1822 reads thus:

"Lastly came the impact of the great flood of February 1795 in the West Midlands. The height of the 1795 flood is still recorded by a marker at Dale End, Coalbrookdale, which together with some of the evidence from the contemporary press, testifies to its frightening, almost Biblical scale. At Shrewsbury the quays and neighbouring timber yards and warehouses were swept clear of all that was in them, and many graves in the Abbey churchyard fell in. Shrewsbury was almost completely cut off, no coaches could reach the town ... In the Severn Gorge water flowed three-feet deep in the rooms of the Swan, White Hart and Meadow Inns ... The canal and river at Coalport were united ... rising water reached [the Madeley Wood furnace ultimately to lie several inches deep in the hearth. Two houses by the Iron Bridge were washed away, and the counting house used by the coal factors at the canal/river interchange at Coalport sailed away down the river. The flood was probably the worst in historical times on the Severn. "

After the destruction of 1795, the bridge remained closed until the Trustees, of what was to become known as Coalport Bridge, had it rebuilt in 1799 as a hybrid of wood, brick and cast-iron parts, cast by John Onions. The two original spans were removed and replaced by a single span of three cast iron ribs, which sprang from the original outer sandstone pier bases. The bridge deck was further supported by two square brick piers, the northern one constructed directly on top of the stone pier base and the southern one set back slightly towards the river bank. The remainder of the superstructure was built of wood and may have reused some of the original beams. However by 1817, this bridge was failing again, attributed to the insufficient number of cast iron ribs proving inadequate for the volume of traffic. Consequently, the bridge proprietors decided to rebuild Coalport Bridge once again, but this time they chose to do so completely in iron.

The date of 1818 displayed on the bridge's midspan panel refers to this substantial work which allowed the bridge to stand without major repairs, for the next 187 years.

Some further strengthening work was carried out on the bridge in 2005 when it was closed for about one year to reconstruct the two brick arches supporting the verges at the south side of the bridge. Traffic control measures which previously limited traffic flow to single file were lifted and although weight is now limited to three tonnes, and a height restriction remains, the bridge is expected to continue to serve motor users in the gorge well into the 21st Century.

This is one of the oldest cast iron bridges still carrying traffic and is a scheduled ancient monument. Its five cast iron ribs span 103ft across the River Severn.

We have not been able to ascertain the actual date of the pub, but perhaps it is not unreasonable to suggest it was built between 1780 and 1795, when the original woodbridge was still in existence.

If you'd like to put a name to a face, allow us to introduce you to the crew...


Front of house

Michael

Deputy Manager

Michael is universally known as Budgie, which is predictable. With a degree in Business Management, Budgie spent time working in Kuwait as a financial co-ordinator, which is why he is now in the pub business - no doubt about it, beer is more fun. He is a proper beer monkey, with a special affection for Old Speckled Hen.

Marcus Simkiss

Assistant Manager

A face everyone knows and loves is our Assistant Manager Marcus! Marcus has a passion for the best ales and is a dab hand in the cellar, his knowledge of wine is perfect for pairing your favourite dishes with the best drink!

Molly

Supervisor

Molly is a front of house supervisor and has been with us just over 4 years. A skilled member of our team and the life and soul of any room she enters! Molly is mommy to her little boy and 2 frenchie pups, she has a great sense of humour and someone who can always make you smile.

Katie

Supervisor

Katie is a front of house supervisor and looks after our Marketing. She loves to show the children where the toy box is, being a big softie at heart! Katie's also keen on antiques and loves a good garden center.

Amanda

Bar/Waiting

The lovely Mandy is the smiling, happy face that will often greet you as you enter the Woodbridge. Mandy is a local gal and lives in Coalport. She loves to travel and goes on the best holidays!

Alfie

Bar/Waiting

Alfie's our sportsmans, with a wealth of knowledge about football he's most likely to know the score! A strong member of the team and you'll most likely find Alfie serving at the bar.

Alexander

Bar/Waiting

Aj, as we know him, is a well-travelled gentleman. His journeys take him worldwide with his charity work and we're thrilled to have AJ back after spending many months in America!


Kitchen

Jason

Head Chef

Jason our Head Chef has been with Brunning and Price for 26 years, so you could say he knows his onions! He is passionate about food and has been cheffing since school. A Liverpool fan and enjoys a good cheese board with a glass of wine.