The place name appears as Burewardeslega in 1177, and in similar variants thereafter, indicating that it had anciently been Burgheard's (or Burgweard's) clearing, or grove.

The wagonways were almost certainly constructed for the transport of coal and clay and it was these resources that led to the huge expansion of the town during the Industrial Revolution.

Many of the developments celebrated by the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust's collection of preserved industrial heritage sites either started in Broseley or were connected with it.

This left a legacy of uncapped mine shafts, derelict buildings, abandoned quarries, spoil heaps and pit mounds.

In the last thirty years of the 20th century Broseley underwent a modern revival, with the development of Telford across the River Severn.

The Hay Cop[9] between Dark Lane and Ironbridge Road was the site of the town's water supply and was developed as a nature reserve in 2007.

Every month, the Birchmeadow Centre is used by Broseley Cinema, to show well-rated films on its own large screen.

[12] Since 2009, the Birchmeadow Centre, owned by the Town Council, has hosted live music events, presenting an array of UK and foreign artists, mainly in the folk, blues and ballad genres.

They have included such figures as Bill Caddick, Phil Beer, Brooks Williams, Tom Hingley and Steve Knightley.

It also has a "Broadplace" facility, a small centre for community usage of laptop computers, help and guidance and free Internet access.

For secondary education, most pupils travel to William Brookes School in Much Wenlock or to Abraham Darby Academy in Madeley and elsewhere.