When you approach Anglesey in North Wales you will see the enigmatic Menai Straits Bridge, designed and constructed by Thomas Telford, the famous 19th century engineer. The strong tidal waters crossing to Anglesey from the mainland has been a challenge for centuries and finally Telford and his team managed to come up with an innovative design which was up to the task. You will enjoy the coastal views from this bridge as you cross to the island for your vacation.
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.
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.
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.
When you consider that a coach journey from London to Holyhead took around 36 hours before 1826, it shows how travel has been transformed since before the bridge was built. Following completion of the Menai Suspension Bridge the journey time was reduced to 27 hours. While a journey by car today from London to Holyhead can take around 6 to 7 hours, showing the benefits of Telford's Menai Straits Bridge, the internal combustion engine and modern motorways.
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.
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.
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.
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.
When you consider that a coach journey from London to Holyhead took around 36 hours before 1826, it shows how travel has been transformed since before the bridge was built. Following completion of the Menai Suspension Bridge the journey time was reduced to 27 hours. While a journey by car today from London to Holyhead can take around 6 to 7 hours, showing the benefits of Telford's Menai Straits Bridge, the internal combustion engine and modern motorways.
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, pens an essay from magical Anglesey, North Wales, and runs an informative website focusing on 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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