Celebrating International Women’s Day and Mother’s Day with Ironbridge Gorge Museums Trust

To coincide with International Women’s Day on Friday 8 March and Mother’s Day on Sunday 10 March, Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust is hosting a weekend of special events celebrating industrial women workers in the Ironbridge Gorge. On Sunday, modern mums will also be able to enjoy special afternoon tea menus or a delicious Mother’s Day lunch.

Industrious Women

Friday 8-Sunday 10 March

Blists Hill Victorian Town

Visitors will be able to take a special guided tour of Blists Hill Victorian Town, led by the town’s Victorian residents. The tours, at 11:30am, will be inspired by women’s history and the little-known role of women in the industries of the gorge. At midday the streets of the town will also be brought to life with a suffragist rally where visitors can join in the fight for votes for women. People will also be able to show their support (or opposition!) to the suffragist movement in a special printing activity (additional charge of £2 on top of Blists Hill Victorian Town entrance ticket or free for PASS PLUS holders). Younger visitors will be able to do a fun activity trail.

Tea Ladies

Friday 8-Sunday 10 March, 11am to 12.30pm

Coalport China Museum

At Coalport China Museum, Collections Curator Kate Cadman will give a special talk about the lives of women workers in Coalport in the 19^th century. Visitors will learn about the contrast between the lives of these women and of their wealthy counterparts who used the exquisite tea services they made. There will also be the opportunity to see demonstrators at work keeping traditional skills alive.

One talk per day. Tickets limited to 30 per talk. Bookable on arrival only, first come first serve. Free event for Coalport China Museum ticket holders.

Delicious afternoon teas at Blists Hill Victorian Town

Sunday 10 March

Visitors to Blists Hill Victorian Town can stop at the Forest Glen for a delicious Mrs Beeton’s Afternoon Tea. On the menu will be a range of yummy sandwiches, scrumptious scones and other sweet treats. £12.50 per person.

In the Visitor Centre Coffee Shop, mums can enjoy Mrs Beeton’s Cream Tea. For £6 they will have a fruit scone, strawberry or raspberry preserve with clotted cream, and a pot of tea for one.

Mother’s Day at The Furnace Kitchen

Sunday 10 March

The Furnace Kitchen in Coalbrookdale will be offering a special two- or three-course menu for Mother’s Day. There will be a mixture of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, with dishes including roasted cauliflower cumin soup, pan-seared chicken supreme and Lemon tart with Limoncello cream and raspberry coulis.

Two courses for £38 or three courses for £35. Pre-booking required at thefurnacekitchen@ironbridge.org.uk or on  01952 435968.