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One of Anglesey's most historic, and well recognised attractions must definitely be the Menai Suspension bridge.
In 1800 the Act of Union was passed between Great Britain and Ireland, bringing with it great opportunities for trade between the two neighboring countries. As a journey from the capital London to the port of Holyhead, one of the principal crossings to Dublin, took over 35 hours, it was decided that an improved route was required. In 1800, Thomas Telford was given the task of improving the route, and as part of this improvement it was decided that a bridge was required linking Anglesey to the mainland as the only means of crossing the Menai Straits at that time was by ferry or foot at low tide.
Work began on the crossing from a point near Bangor to the village of Porthaethwy ( now also known as Menai Bridge) in 1819, with the construction of two towers, one on either side of the Straits. Over 33,000 iron bars were forged in Upton Magna near Shrewsbury, then shipped by canal to Chester, and then by boat to the site of the bridges construction. They were then bolted together to create the huge 'chains' to support the 176 metre span. Seven years later on January 30th 1826, the Menai Suspension bridge was opened to a rapturous public reception. The first vehicle to cross was His Majesty's Mail Carriage, laden with as many of the prominent construction workers as it could carry, followed by a host of other dignitaries.
Since it's grand opening the bridge has undergone a number of renovations. In 1839 following severe storms, major works were carried out to repair the battered bridge. In 1893 the wooden surface was completely replaced with a steel deck, and then 45 years later the original iron chains were replaced with new steel versions capable of carrying the heavy loads which cross the bridge on a daily basis.
In February 2005, the Menai suspension bridge, the first major suspension bridge in the world, was given UNESCO status with the possibility of becoming a World Heritage Site.
Nearby places of interest are Penmon and Beaumaris castle.
To find Menai Suspension Bridge click here for a map.