History is all about bringing the past to life. This activity allows you to do this is in an unusual and interesting way.
 
Coalbrookdale, a small town in Shropshire, England, was at the heart of the Industrial Revolution: a place of blast furnaces, roaring forges and busy factories. Its iron bridge (right) – the very first ever made – still attracts visitors from all over the world.

Was Coalbrookdale a hell on earth? Or was it an industrial wonderland?
 
You can decide for yourself by interacting with the 1861 Census (government survey). A search engine allows you to ask your own questions, rather than just read through sources in the textbook. What jobs did people have? Were houses overcrowded? Did many children go to school? You're the detective!

Now choose an option:

Download the Workpack

Proceed to the Database