Cross Menai Straits Bridge, Beautiful Anglesey Coastal Views from Classic Bridge by Telford
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.
Many will ask how Thomas Telford came to build this Menai Straits Bridge, an example of real engineering innovation for its time in the early nineteenth century. After Britain and Ireland moved closer under the Act of Union in 1800, there was pressure for much improved transport links and connecting the mainland to Anglesey was a major consideration.
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.
As you stand on the bridge looking south west, see how the strong Menai Straits currents flow towards the dual rail and road Britannia Bridge and on past Caernarfon Castle to the open sea. 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. - 2361
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.
Many will ask how Thomas Telford came to build this Menai Straits Bridge, an example of real engineering innovation for its time in the early nineteenth century. After Britain and Ireland moved closer under the Act of Union in 1800, there was pressure for much improved transport links and connecting the mainland to Anglesey was a major consideration.
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.
As you stand on the bridge looking south west, see how the strong Menai Straits currents flow towards the dual rail and road Britannia Bridge and on past Caernarfon Castle to the open sea. 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. - 2361
About the Author:
The author, David Phillips, is based on sunny Anglesey Wales, and manages a helpful local web information source about the island. Make sure you visit the amazing 19th century attraction of Menai Straits Bridge, built by Thomas Telford.
posted by Marcondes Allen at 12:36 AM
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