Jackfield grew as a river port for nearby Broseley and Benthall (which are situated high above the Severn) and is a notable part of the area's famous early industrial activity.

Their Jackfield Ware (a highly vitrified black earthenware decorated with gold flowers and figures) became famous around the mid-18th century.

For about a hundred years, from 1862 to 1963, the Severn Valley railway line ran through the area, on its route between Shrewsbury and Bridgnorth.

Little remains of the railway except the unusually large level crossing gates, which spanned sidings as well as the main running line, now the largest surviving in the UK.

In late 2013 Telford and Wrekin Council confirmed that government funding had been granted to carry out a stabilisation scheme in the area.

The Gorge Parish Council has its offices and holds its meetings at the Maws Craft Centre in Jackfield.

A major stabilisation project, which included the rebuilding of Salthouse Road on a new alignment, began in 2014[6][8] and was completed in October 2016.

Today, Craven Dunnill Jackfield manufacture hand made wall and floor tiles in true Victorian fashion.

[11] A number of historical sites in Jackfield comprise waypoints on the South Telford Heritage Trail.

The Memorial Bridge is a footbridge spanning the River Severn, linking the Tuckies part of Jackfield with Coalport.

There are three public houses open in Jackfield – the Half Moon (at Salthouses), the Black Swan and the Boat Inn (at the Tuckies).