Thomas Telford is universally recognised as one of the greatest of Britain's civil engineers. The 250th anniversary of his birth is was celebrated in July and August 2007 with Menai Bridge Community Heritage Trust hosting events in North Wales.
Many of Telford's remarkable works, such as the Menai and Conwy suspension bridges, London to Holyhead road - the A5 - and the towering aqueducts of Chirk and Pont Cysyllte carrying his Ellesmere canal, transformed life in North Wales some 200 years ago, are still here and in constant use.
Celebrations also took place in Scotland, Telford's birthplace, in Shropshire where Telford undertook his first major canal building project, and all were supported by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) - who chose him to be their first president.
A travelling exhibition depicting Telford's life and work, from humble beginnings to a steady rise, first as a stone mason, to an architect and then famed civil engineer, was produced by ICE to visit Edinburgh, London, Ironbridge Gorge Museum and the Menai Bridge area.
There are many artefacts and papers relating to Telford's Bridges on Anglesey; it is hoped they too will be exhibited and a permanent exhibition centre for Telford and the heritage of the Menai Strait can thus come into being.
Festivities included:
- An international conference from 9-11 July 2007 at the University of Wales, Bangor.
- An ongoing education programme for schools and institutions of further education; a presence at the Wrexham Science Fair.
- Holyhead celebrated with a stagecoach, fun fair, music, stalls and dancing.
- North Wales Branch of ICE commemorated Telford's birthday on 9 August 2007 with ceremonies centred round the Menai Suspension Bridge.
Menai Bridge Day for Telford on Saturday, 14 July.
For more information visit prosiectmenai.co.uk.
More on Telford's Menai Suspension Bridge.
Celebrations in Conwy.
