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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 beautiful Anglesey, North Wales, and owns an informative website focusing on local news and features about the island. Discover more about Menai Straits Bridge, a remarkable attraction and example of 19th century civil engineering achievement.
0 comments:
Post a Comment