Menai Suspension Bridge, Anglesey

In 1819, Thomas Telford began working on an ambitious project to cut down the journey between London and the port of Holyhead.

Ireland joining the UK through the Act of Union meant more people wanted to cross the Straits, as politicians commuted between Ireland and parliament in London. Recognising the danger to travellers of crossing the Straits, Telford designed a groundbreaking piece of civil engineering.

Completed in 1826, the Menai Bridge was the world’s biggest suspension bridge at the time. Sixteen chains hold up 579ft of deck, leaving 100ft of clear space beneath. This allows tall ships to pass below, while spanning the Straits at the narrowest point. menaibridges.co.uk