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Michael Portillo is in Ironbridge Gorge on the River Severn, where he discovers the Silicon Valley of the 18th century. Exploring this hotbed of industrial innovation, he takes in the iron bridge itself and the world’s first coke blast iron furnace. The list of 'firsts' in this valley is breathtaking, including the wild concept of locomotion, which Michael experiences on board an exact replica of the world’s first steam locomotive.

Michael investigates the rich heritage of the Black Country in Wolverhampton with a lesson in 'yam yam' before heading to Coseley, where he discovers that one of the area’s most successful industries, brick making, continues at Ketley Brick. Michael visits the firm’s bespoke workshop – operating on the same site since 1805 - and makes a creditable bullnose brick.