The green and wooded appearance of the Ironbridge Gorge of today belies the once intensive activity of its industrial heyday. The River Severn, now flowing serenely through the Gorge, was once the main trade route linking Coalbrookdale, cradle of the Industrial Revolution, with river and canal ports like Bewdley and Stourport, and ultimately Bristol. This shallow stretch of river was once busy with flat bottomed boats ferrying cargoes such as ironware, Coalport china or tiles from Jackfield. The Gorge is now a major tourist centre with Ironbridge at its heart.