The iconic Menai Straits Bridge which carries the A5 across to Anglesey was the inspiration of renown civil engineer Thomas Telford, whose 250th year was celebrated in 2008. For its day the engineering challenge facing Telford and his team was significant, and needed a bold and innovative design to reach across what are very tidal waters between island and mainland. If you come to North Wales this Menai Suspension Bridge is a key attraction to experience for all.
A step back in time suggests that Menai Bridge may have been a small Roman settlement and at this point of the Menai Straits there was a ferry crossing, as it is where the island and mainland are nearest. Further north monks, visiting the Augustinian Priory at Penmon a few centuries ago, would cross the Lavan sands north west of Bangor at low tide, and made for the shore at Llanfaes, north of Beaumaris.
So what events led to Telford being commissioned with the task of constructing such this impressive Menai Straits Bridge, an innovative example of civil engineering for the early nineteenth century? Following the Act of Union between Britain and Ireland in 1800 pressure grew for a far more efficient transport link between London and the Irish capital, Dublin.
We only have to recall the story of the composer Handel trying to get over to Dublin from Holyhead in 1742 to realise how difficult travel was between England and Ireland. Not only was it difficult to cross the Snowdon Mountains but also the sea crossing to Anglesey and then the voyage across the Irish Sea, from Holyhead to Dublin, were big challenges.
A bridge crossing to Anglesey island was the key improvement in the London Dublin transport link, with a ferry from the port of Holyhead already in service. Building work began across the Menai Straits in 1819 after much political negotiation and pressure. The two huge towers which you see are a key feature of the bridge and they are made from limestone from the nearby island quarry. Sixteen wrought iron chain cables supported the bridge across the 175 metre gap, but they were replaced with steel cables before World War Two.
Just stop to think how travel has changed enormously since the times before this bridge was built. Prior to 1826 a journey from London to Holyhead would take around 36 hours, and the opening of the Menai Suspension Bridge reduced that to a mere 27 hours. Today you can get from London to Holyhead by road in about 6 hours or so, thanks to a combination of motorway, internal combustion engine and Thomas Telford's Menai Straits Bridge.
Arriving on Anglesey witness some beautiful coastal and woodland scenes from this iconic bridge across Menai Straits, and nearby some well signposted coastal paths with fairly easy access. Cast your eyes northwards from the bridge and you will see Menai Bridge harbour with small yachts and motor craft moored nearby. These are strong tidal waters and you may see a yacht passing below the bridge, making its way for Beaumaris and then Puffin Island.
Looking south west from the bridge and down from the walkway you can see how the strong tidal waters of the Menai Straits flow down past a small island, Ynys Gorad Goch, towards the Britannia Bridge and then on past Caernarfon Castle and the open sea. On the Anglesey coastline to the south is the old Indefatigable School just beyond the Britannia Bridge road and rail crossing. The coastal views are spectacular as you inhale the fresh sea air, high up on this beautiful, iconic Menai Straits Bridge. - 20763
A step back in time suggests that Menai Bridge may have been a small Roman settlement and at this point of the Menai Straits there was a ferry crossing, as it is where the island and mainland are nearest. Further north monks, visiting the Augustinian Priory at Penmon a few centuries ago, would cross the Lavan sands north west of Bangor at low tide, and made for the shore at Llanfaes, north of Beaumaris.
So what events led to Telford being commissioned with the task of constructing such this impressive Menai Straits Bridge, an innovative example of civil engineering for the early nineteenth century? Following the Act of Union between Britain and Ireland in 1800 pressure grew for a far more efficient transport link between London and the Irish capital, Dublin.
We only have to recall the story of the composer Handel trying to get over to Dublin from Holyhead in 1742 to realise how difficult travel was between England and Ireland. Not only was it difficult to cross the Snowdon Mountains but also the sea crossing to Anglesey and then the voyage across the Irish Sea, from Holyhead to Dublin, were big challenges.
A bridge crossing to Anglesey island was the key improvement in the London Dublin transport link, with a ferry from the port of Holyhead already in service. Building work began across the Menai Straits in 1819 after much political negotiation and pressure. The two huge towers which you see are a key feature of the bridge and they are made from limestone from the nearby island quarry. Sixteen wrought iron chain cables supported the bridge across the 175 metre gap, but they were replaced with steel cables before World War Two.
Just stop to think how travel has changed enormously since the times before this bridge was built. Prior to 1826 a journey from London to Holyhead would take around 36 hours, and the opening of the Menai Suspension Bridge reduced that to a mere 27 hours. Today you can get from London to Holyhead by road in about 6 hours or so, thanks to a combination of motorway, internal combustion engine and Thomas Telford's Menai Straits Bridge.
Arriving on Anglesey witness some beautiful coastal and woodland scenes from this iconic bridge across Menai Straits, and nearby some well signposted coastal paths with fairly easy access. Cast your eyes northwards from the bridge and you will see Menai Bridge harbour with small yachts and motor craft moored nearby. These are strong tidal waters and you may see a yacht passing below the bridge, making its way for Beaumaris and then Puffin Island.
Looking south west from the bridge and down from the walkway you can see how the strong tidal waters of the Menai Straits flow down past a small island, Ynys Gorad Goch, towards the Britannia Bridge and then on past Caernarfon Castle and the open sea. On the Anglesey coastline to the south is the old Indefatigable School just beyond the Britannia Bridge road and rail crossing. The coastal views are spectacular as you inhale the fresh sea air, high up on this beautiful, iconic Menai Straits Bridge. - 20763
About the Author:
Anglesey island is a fascinating holiday destination off North Wales, according to David Phillips who owns a helpful local web information source. Discover more about Menai Suspension Bridge, an amazing 19th century road bridge attraction linking island to mainland.
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