Newdale was one of the first planned industrial housing schemes in Britain, an 18th century "New Town".   It was intended to relieve Coalbrookdale and  had back-to-back housing for 160 people.  There was also pumped water, pig sties and a school for the children.  Charges for residence were one penny for Coalbrookdale workers, and three pennies for others.  It lasted only  a few years.  In 1762 one of its buildings was converted to serve as a Quaker Meeting House and was later enlarged (1768 -1843) and then converted to a Methodist Chapel (1853-1921).

Quaker Meeting House

At the centre of Newdale is a pair of iron working buildings, erected in 1759 by the Coalbrookdale Company (the builders of the famous Iron Bridge).  There is documentary evidence that these buildings were used as a forge (for making wrought iron) and a foundry (for casting iron).  Archaeologists have discovered a furnace between the two buildings, and traces of a mill race that probably fed a waterwheel.  The ironworks were never fully operational.

During an excavation in 1987, cast iron columns (perhaps some of the earliest ever made) were found here.   

History

Newdale was

one

of the

first planned industrial housing schemes in Britain

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Lawley Playing Field

Newdale Valley

View of Lawley from Hill Fold Playing Field

Hill Fold Playing Field