Agor y bont

The Opening of the Menai Suspension Bridge from the North Wales Gazette of 2nd February 1826.

Suspension Bridge over the Menai

"This grand structure was thrown open on Monday last, for the convenience of the Public. His Majesty's Mails had the honour of precedence; the Shrewsbury Mail about one o'clock, and the Chester and Liverpool about three o'clock in the morning: the rain had been considerable during the early part of the morning, but cleared up about 10 o'clock; the crowds that assembled were immense.

The first private carriage that passed, was that of O.F. Meyrick, of Bodorgan Esq., which was succeeded by innumerable others, among which we noticed that of Sir D. Erskine and Lady, with four beautiful greys, the horses decorated with ribbons, etc.; Mr. Telford, with Sir H. Parnell and other Gentlemen, drove over about eleven o'clock, and immediately returning proceeded to town.

Thomas Telford, y Prif Beiriannydd fu'n gyfrifol am ddylunuio Pont Menai

Thomas Telford, Chief Engineer who was responsible for deigning the Menai Suspension Bridge

The first stage coach was the Pilot, which runs daily between Caernarvon and Bangor, worked by Mr. Hughes, of the Goat Inn, Caernarvon, and by Mr. Shenton, of the Albion Hotel, Bangor, every part of which, where hold could be got, being covered with people. The first cart which crossed was from the Amlwch Brewery Company. We noticed on the Bridge at one time (in italics) four carriages in line and a car returning, all fully loaded, together with an incalculable number of pedestrians. A band of music played during the day, with colours flying from every part of the structure, and cannons firing at intervals - Indeed it is impossible to do justice in the columns of a Newspaper to the feelings manifested by all ranks on this auspicious day. A number of Gentlemen, connected with the Bridge, and their friends, partook of an excellent dinner at Bangor Ferry Inn (the George), Mr. Hazledine in the chair - Vice Mr. Hall; and a Ball took place in the evening at the Castle Inn, Bangor, which was numerous and fashionably attended."

Fe wnaed y 'cadwyni' i gynnal y bont allan o farrau hir haearn gyda darn fflat crwn bob ochr iddynt a gawsant eu bolltio gyda'i gilydd. Cafodd y 33, 264 o farrau eu gwneud mewn ffowndri yn Upton Magna yn Sir Amwythig, yna mewn camlas i Gaer ac oddi yno ar long i gael eu bolltio gyda'i gilydd wrth y Fenai.

The 'chains' to suspend the bridge were flat iron bars with a circular surface either end which were bolted together. The 33,264 bars were made in a foundry in Upton Magna by Shrewsbury and moved by canal to Chester then transported by boat to the Menai Straits where they were bolted together.

A Report in the Chester Chronicle on February 3rd 1826 outlining the opening of the bridge on January 30th 1826.

MENAI SUSPENSION BRIDGE (FROM A CORRESPONDENT)

"This stupendous structure was opened for general intercourse on Monday, the 30th of January, at half past one in the morning. As the season was considered unfavorable for a public celebration, the Commissioners determined that the opening should be quite private; and , in pursuance of this resolution, a meeting was held the previous evening at Bangor Ferry, to make the final arrangements. Mr. W. A. Provis, the Resident Engineer was then dispatched to meet the London down mail, and take charge of it across the Bridge. Having mounted the box with David Hughes the coachman, and Reid the guard, the Mail proceeded, and on its way to the bridge took up Mr. Akers, the Mail Coach Superintendant, Mr. Hazeldine, the contractor for the ironwork, Mr. J. Provis, the superintendant for proving and examining it, Mr. Rhodes, who has had charge of erecting the iron and timber work, Messrs. W. and J. Wilson, sons of the contractor for masonary, Mr. Esplen, an overseer, and as many more as could be crammed in, or find a place to hang by. Thus loaded, amidst the blaze of lamps, the cheers of those assembled, and the roaring of a heavy gale of wind, the gates were thrown open, and the Mail passed triumphantly across.

About 9 o'clock, that excellent and indefatigable Commissioner Sir Henry Parnell, and the Chief Engineer, Mr Telford (whose works are his best Eulogium) passed over in the carriage of the latter. Throughout the remainder of the day, the number of carriages, horses, and persons which passed over was immense; the bridge was literally crowded, and tickets could not be issued fast enough for the demand. The evening was spent by the workmen with much fun and feasting, and the sons of the Sister Kingdoms seemed to have but one feeling, in wishing "Success to the Bridge", and promoting the general hilarity."