For centuries, travellers had braved the hazardous currents of the Menai Straits, to make the journey between the mainland and the island of Anglesey, off the north west coast of Wales.

However, the Act of Union between Britain and Ireland in 1800 brought increased traffic across the Irish Sea to and from the Anglesey ferry port of Holyhead. So these travellers did not have to brave a boat journey across the Straits, plans were made for a bridge, as part of a greater scheme to improve road links between Holyhead and London.

Work on the structure began in 1819 and was completed in 1826. Designed by Thomas Telford – and considered to be the world’s first modern suspension bridge - it comprised over 570 feet of road surface, held aloft by sixteen immense chains each one made of more than 900 iron bars. The bridge provides over 100 feet of clearance below the main span, to allow for the passage of the tall masted sailing ships that sailed the Straits.

Location: Anglesey, North Wales


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Location: Anglesey, North Wales