The famous Menai Straits Bridge and road crossing to Anglesey was built by Thomas Telford, whose 250th anniversary was recently celebrated by the island. It is difficult to estimate the huge task facing Telford and his engineers as they planned what was a bold feat of engineering and a novel construction for its day, across what is a very tidal stretch of water. This is a must-see attraction and you can also walk along the Anglesey Coastal path below.
A look back in history hints that Menai Bridge, today a bustling town next to the bridge, was a Roman settlement, which was accessed by a small ferry across the Menai Straits, linking the place where island and mainland are closest. Looking north you may see the Lavan sands, west of Bangor, from where monks bound for Penmon Priory would make their way at low tide for Llanfaes on Anglesey, just north of Beaumaris.
How did Telford come to be commissioned to build this magnificent Menai Straits Bridge, what is an clearly an innovative example of nineteenth century bridge building? Greater pressure was placed for a closer link between Ireland and Britain after the Act of Union in 1800, and so the bridge to Anglesey was important for connection to Holyhead.
When you think how the famous composer George Frederick Handel struggled to reach Dublin from Holyhead in 1742, it shows you how difficult it was travelling between England and Ireland. After getting through the challenging Snowdon Mountain range, there was still the Menai Straits crossing and then the voyage to Dublin itself.
With a sea route across to Ireland and a port at Holyhead, the missing link was an improved crossing to Anglesey island. Political pressure was applied in the right places, and work began on the bridge in 1819, with the two massive landmark towers being constructed from Penmon limestone. While the bridge was originally supported by 16 huge wrought iron chain cables that reached across the 175 metres of expanse, they had to be replaced by steel cables just before the Second World War.
Travel times have been transformed dramatically since the early nineteenth century. Just consider that before 1826 it took 36 hours to travel by coach from London to Holyhead. After completion of the Menai Suspension Bridge journey times reduced to 27 hours for the same route. Contrast that with a car journey today between Holyhead and London taking about 6 hours, such are the benefits of Telford's Menai Straits Bridge, modern roads and the internal combustion engine.
On Anglesey you will discover some stunning coastal and woodland walks close to this enigmatic bridge, which are well signposted with relatively easy access. Looking north from the bridge you will see the small harbour at Menai Bridge with small yachts and fishing craft moored nearby. In what are strong tidal waters you, you may see yachts and motor craft passing under the bridge, heading for Beaumaris and 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.
A look back in history hints that Menai Bridge, today a bustling town next to the bridge, was a Roman settlement, which was accessed by a small ferry across the Menai Straits, linking the place where island and mainland are closest. Looking north you may see the Lavan sands, west of Bangor, from where monks bound for Penmon Priory would make their way at low tide for Llanfaes on Anglesey, just north of Beaumaris.
How did Telford come to be commissioned to build this magnificent Menai Straits Bridge, what is an clearly an innovative example of nineteenth century bridge building? Greater pressure was placed for a closer link between Ireland and Britain after the Act of Union in 1800, and so the bridge to Anglesey was important for connection to Holyhead.
When you think how the famous composer George Frederick Handel struggled to reach Dublin from Holyhead in 1742, it shows you how difficult it was travelling between England and Ireland. After getting through the challenging Snowdon Mountain range, there was still the Menai Straits crossing and then the voyage to Dublin itself.
With a sea route across to Ireland and a port at Holyhead, the missing link was an improved crossing to Anglesey island. Political pressure was applied in the right places, and work began on the bridge in 1819, with the two massive landmark towers being constructed from Penmon limestone. While the bridge was originally supported by 16 huge wrought iron chain cables that reached across the 175 metres of expanse, they had to be replaced by steel cables just before the Second World War.
Travel times have been transformed dramatically since the early nineteenth century. Just consider that before 1826 it took 36 hours to travel by coach from London to Holyhead. After completion of the Menai Suspension Bridge journey times reduced to 27 hours for the same route. Contrast that with a car journey today between Holyhead and London taking about 6 hours, such are the benefits of Telford's Menai Straits Bridge, modern roads and the internal combustion engine.
On Anglesey you will discover some stunning coastal and woodland walks close to this enigmatic bridge, which are well signposted with relatively easy access. Looking north from the bridge you will see the small harbour at Menai Bridge with small yachts and fishing craft moored nearby. In what are strong tidal waters you, you may see yachts and motor craft passing under the bridge, heading for Beaumaris and 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.
About the Author:
The author, David Phillips, pens an essay from beautiful Anglesey, North Wales, and owns a helpful website covering local news and features about the island. Find out more about Menai Straits Bridge, a remarkable attraction and example of 19th century civil engineering achievement.
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