Ironbridge Rowing Club was founded in 1870 to promote the sport of rowing in the Ironbridge Gorge. It was one of the first rowing clubs to be founded away from the Thames Valley as the sport of rowing developed in the 19th Century. The Ironbridge Gorge provides ideal conditions in one of the most scenic settings for the sport in the UK.

In 1995 the Club's president with the help of Club members, put together an application to the Lottery Sport Fund with the hope of obtaining a grant to enable the boathouse project to go ahead. The Club itself had already raised a considerable sum during the previous five years. The application was successful and in September 1996 work started on the new boathouse. The boathouse was completed in 1997 and officially opened by Olympic rowers Guin and Miriam Batten on 25 April 1998.

Since the opening, the Club successfully applied for a second grant from the lottery which provided additional training equipment including new boats and blades.

Membership has fluctuated throughout the Club's life, with a recent increase in the number of junior members. The Club has a membership of about a hundred but has facilities to accommodate more.

It is possible to use 4.5 miles of the River Severn and except in conditions of extreme flood the river can be used all year round. It is also an extremely attractive site, Ironbridge Gorge is a major tourist area, attracting thousands of visitors each year and one of the leading World Heritage sites in Britain.

Whilst the emphasis of the Club is on competitive rowing in regattas, head races and other events there is no pressure on members to compete. Recreational rowing is encouraged and appropriate pathways are open for those wanting to progress. Rowing at Ironbridge is not therefore exclusively for those who are necessarily naturally gifted athletically. In addition, opportunities are available for members to learn to Cox a crew; hopefully to victory!

The Club encompasses all sections of the community. There are no restriction as to age, sex, or race and, in so far as it is possible, there are no restrictions on disabled members. Current members come from a wide cross section of social backgrounds. Contrary to popular belief, rowing is not an elitist sport.

The Club is constituted under the terms of a Trust Deed. An elected captain, vice-captain, secretary, treasurer and committee oversee the day to day running of the Club; elections are held annually. Ultimately, Ironbridge Rowing Club belongs to and is run by its members. The future success and survival of the Club is therefore solely dependent upon their continued support. This is something that we try to instill in all of our new members and is what makes the Club what it is today.

In addition to providing boats and rowing facilities for its members, the Club runs a weekend regatta every year - please visit the Regatta page for more information.

The Club also hires its facilities for Wedding receptions, Anniversaries, Christenings, etc and the attractive location makes it a popular venue - please visit the Facilities page for more information.