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.
Turn back the history pages and you may see that what is the busy little town of Menai Bridge today, may have been a Roman village, which people reached by crossing in a small ferry across the Menai Straits where the gap between island and mainland is narrowest. To the north are the Lavan sands where Augustinian monks heading for Penmon Priory would struggle across at low tide, heading for Llanfaes, near 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.
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.
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.
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.
Standing on the bridge look to the south west and observe the powerful Menai Straits tidal waters sweep towards the road and rail crossing of Britannia Bridge, and then to the open sea after Caernarfon Castle. Off the Anglesey Coastline to the south is a small island, Ynys Gorad Goch, while on the shoreline a Statue of Admiral Nelson stands, and nearby is the former Indefatigable Sailing School. You can indulge your senses in all these experiences from the high vantage point of this enigmatic Menai Straits Bridge.
Turn back the history pages and you may see that what is the busy little town of Menai Bridge today, may have been a Roman village, which people reached by crossing in a small ferry across the Menai Straits where the gap between island and mainland is narrowest. To the north are the Lavan sands where Augustinian monks heading for Penmon Priory would struggle across at low tide, heading for Llanfaes, near 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.
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.
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.
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.
Standing on the bridge look to the south west and observe the powerful Menai Straits tidal waters sweep towards the road and rail crossing of Britannia Bridge, and then to the open sea after Caernarfon Castle. Off the Anglesey Coastline to the south is a small island, Ynys Gorad Goch, while on the shoreline a Statue of Admiral Nelson stands, and nearby is the former Indefatigable Sailing School. You can indulge your senses in all these experiences from the high vantage point of this enigmatic Menai Straits Bridge.
About the Author:
The author, David Phillips, writes from magical Anglesey, North Wales, and owns a helpful website covering local news and articles about the island. Discover more about Menai Straits Bridge, a remarkable attraction and example of 19th century civil engineering achievement.
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