Menai Heritage is an accredited museum with a sizeable collection of documents and artefacts related to the Menai Strait Bridges and the history of the area. This section of our web site gives a list of the documents in our collection.
Researchers and other interested parties are invited to consult documents and papers held in the museum that are mostly not on display in the museum. Digital copies are NOT available. Consulting the documents must be done by arrangement with and only under direct supervision of the Registrar.
To contact the Hon. Registrar, send an email to registrar@menaiheritage.org.uk.
See a key to references and abbreviations, or go to the table of contents.
Books & Booklets
Suspension Bridge
Cumming, T.G. 1828. Description of the iron bridges of suspension erected over the Strait of Menai, the River Conway and over the River Thames. – 2nd ed. Softback. 1828 booklet about suspension bridges including Menai and Conway. 59 High Holborn, London: Architectural Library. 225 mm x 142 mm. xv, 71 pp + frontis., 1 plate. [2014.2.2]
Lincoln, Geoffrey. 1976. Pont Menai Telford 1826-1976; i ddathlu 150 mlwydd o’i hagor = Telford’s suspension bridge1826 – 1976; commemorating the 150th anniversary of the opening. Softback. History of Telford’s Suspension Bridge 1826-1976 to celebrate 150 years since completion. Bangor: MSIA, Y Coleg Normal. 140 mm x 200 mm. 24 pp + illus. [2003.3B]
Lincoln, Geoffrey. 1976. Pont Menai Telford 1826-1976; i ddathlu 150 mlwydd o’i hagor = Telford’s suspension bridge1826 – 1976; commemorating the 150th anniversary of the opening. Softback. History of Telford’s Suspension Bridge 1826-1976 to celebrate 150 years since completion. Bangor: MSIA, Y Coleg Normal. 140 mm x 200 mm. 24 pp + illus. [2003.13B]
Pring, Joseph, Dr. 1827. Particulars of the Grand Suspension Bridge erected over the Straits of Menai. – 4th ed. Softback. Classic account of construction of Menai Suspension Bridge by Dr Pring. Bangor: John Brown. 163 mm x 100 mm. 40 pp. Scott-Archer collection. [2014.34.10]
Provis, William. 1828. An historical and descriptive account of the Suspension Bridge constructed over the Menai Strait. paper. Photocopy of William Provis’s book on the Menai Suspension Bridge. London: Ibotson & Palmer. [2007.27D]
Provis, William. 1828. An historical account of the suspension bridge construction over the Menai Straits. Hardback. 39 pages of Provis’ book. London: Ibotson & Palmer. 670 mm x 505 mm. 59 pages + portrait. [2013.8]
Richards, Robin. 1991. The secret bridge. ISBN: 0951760505. Softback. History of town and Suspension bridge from 1936 to 1941 with an account of the bridge reconstruction which was a war secret. Cardiff: Rocket Books. 148 mm x 210 mm . 72 pp + illus. [2003.10B]
Thomas, R. Maldwyn (ed). 1976. Pont y Borth. Softback. Booklet in Welsh to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Menai Suspension Bridge. With a contribution by Cledwyn Hughes MP, later Lord Cledwyn of Penrhos. Menai Bridge: Bwyllgor Dathlu 150 Mlwydd Y Bont. 244 mm x 185 mm. 36 pp + illus. [2003.6B]
Britannia Bridge
Clark, Edwin. 1850. The Britannia and Conway Tubular Bridges with general inquiries on beams and on the properties of materials used in construction. Vol. 2. Hardback. Britannia & Conway Tubular Bridges. Volume 1 by Clark. London: Day and Son. 265 mm x 170 mm. 354 (467-821) + iv pp + frontis, 8 plates, illus. + index. [2014.28.2]
Clark, Edwin. 1850. The Britannia and Conway Tubular Bridges with general inquiries on beams and on the properties of materials used in construction. Vol. 1. Hardback. Britannia & Conway Tubular Bridges. Volume 1 by Clark. London: Day and Son. 265 mm x 170 mm. xii + 466 pp + frontis., 6 plates, illus. + index. [2014.28.1]
Clark, Edwin. 1850. Britannia and Conway Tubular Bridges – Plates. Hardback. Clark book of the construction of the Britannia (and Conway) Tubular Bridges – engineers’ drawings & lithographs. London: John Weale. [2003.17D]
Clark, Edwin. 1850. The Britannia and Conwy Tubular Bridges with general inquiries on beams and on the properties of materials used in construction. Volume 1. Hardback. Bound photocopy of book about construction of Britannia and Conwy Tubular Bridges by Edwin Clark (volume 1). London: Day & Son. 265 mm x 170 mm. xii + 466 pp. [2006.56B]
Clark, Edwin. 1850. The Britannia and Conwy Tubular Bridges with general inquiries on beams and on the properties of materials used in construction. Volume 2. Hardback. Bound photocopy of book about construction of Britannia and Conwy Tubular Bridges by Edwin Clark (volume 2). London: Day & Son. 265 mm x 165 mm. viii + 354 + 1 + iv pp. [2006.57B]
Harby, Susan. [1979]. The Britannia Bridge. Softback. Booklet about history and reconstruction of Britannia Bridge after 1970 fire. Sheffield: J.W. Northend Ltd. 148 mm x 210 mm. 23 pp + frontis., illus. [2013.73.8]
Millar, John. 1993. Thomas Brassey, railway builder & Canada Works, Birkenhead. ISBN: 0-9510965-2-4. Softback. Book about Thomas Brassey (1805 – 70) who constructed many railways throughout the world including the Chester-Holyhead line which passed over the newly built Britannia Bridge. Hoylake: John Millar (UK), Ltd. 240 mm x 170 mm. 79 pp + illus. [2004.37B]
Rapley, John. 1999. The Britannia Bridge 1845-1850: a sesquicentennial celebration. ISBN: 0727728474. Softback. Slim paperback written as an introduction to an exhibition on the Britannia Bridge at the Institution of Civil Engineers to celebrate in 2000, 150 years since completion of bridge. London: Institution of Civil Engineers. 189 mm x 190 mm. 84 pp + illus. [2003.9B]
Richards, Robin. 2004. Two Bridges Over Menai – rev. ed. ISBN: 0-86381-834-X. Softback. Illustrated book covering design and construction of both bridges – not much detail on the 1970s rebuilding of the Britannia Bridge. Llanrwst: Gwasg Carreg Gwalch. 210 mm x 148 mm. 64 pp + illus. [2006.32B]
Roberts, Glynne, O. 1946. The Britannia Bridge. Softback. Book about Britannia Bridge. : Anglesey Antiquarian Society. [2013.6.4]
Various rail companies. 2000. Pont Britannia Bridge, 1850-2000. Softback. Folder to celebrate 150 years of Britannia Bridge including book – “Thomas Brassey, Railway Builder & Canada Works, Birkenhead” by John Millar ISBN 0951096524; and First Day Cover with Welsh Dragon dated 18.3.2000 and 6 leaflets. : . 310 mm x 215 mm. [2015.22]
Welsh Assembly Government: Transport Wales. 2007. A55 Gwelliant Pont Britannia = A55 Britannia Bridge improvement. Paperback. Description of A55 Britannia Bridge improvement plans – 2007. Cardiff: Welsh Assembly Government. 295 mm x 209 mm. 10 pp + illus., maps. [2008.54B]
Both Bridges
Hildred, Falcon D. 1980. Pontydd Menai = The Menai Bridges. ISBN: 090517173X. Softback. Research undertaken by Gwynedd Archives. Caernarfon and Cardiff: Gwynedd Archives in association with Welsh Arts Council. 220 mm x 210 mm. 33 pp + illus. [2003.8B]
Richards, Robin. 1996. Two bridges over Menai. ISBN: 0-86381-387-9. Softback. Short book about history, design and construction of the two bridges over the Menai Straits with some early lithographs of the Britainnia Bridge under construction. Llanrwst: Gwasg Carreg Gwalch. 150mm x 210mm. 40 pp + illus. [2003.7B]
Chester to Holyhead Railway
Jones, R. Emrys. c. 1979. Rheilffyrdd Cymru = The railways of Wales. ISBN: 10: 0853659222; 13: 978-0853659228. book. Book, in Welsh and English, giving brief history of the six railway lines in the northern half of Wales. Aberystwyth: Welsh Library Association. 216 mm x 135 mm. 154 pp + illus. + index. [2006.25B]
Parry, Edward. 1849. Parry’s Railway companion from Chester to Holyhead and guide to Dublin. Hardback. The story of the civil engineering consultancy firm Rendel, Palmer, and Tritton over its first 150 Years. The book also incorporates the first biography of Its founder, James Meadows Rendel who planned in the 1840s, the development of Holyhead harbour to link up with the new railway that was being built from London to Holyhead. Chester: Thomas Catherall. 150 mm x 93 mm. 158 pp + folding map. Grangerised. [2006.27B]
North Wales Steamship Company
Edmondson, Arnold. 1960s. The sea route from Liverpool to North Wales; the Liverpool and North Wales Steamship Company Limited official guide. Softback. Souvenir Guide – The sea route from Liverpool to North Wales. Prescot, Lancs: The Liverpool & North Wales Steamship Co. Ltd. 130 mm x 210 mm. 58 pp + illus., maps. [2013.17]
Menai Strait
Davies, Henry Rees. 1941 (repr. 1966). A review of the records of The Conway and Menai Ferries. University of Wales. Board of Celtic Studies.History and law. 8. Hardback. History of ferries over Conway and Menai Strait. Cardiff: University of Wales Press Board. 255 mm x 165 mm. xiii + 342 pp. [2013.52]
Hughes, T. Meirion. 1997. The ferries to Anglesey = Y fferiau i Fon. Caernarfon’s yesterdays; 2. Caernarfon ddoe; 2. ISBN: 0952493624. Softback. Book with overview of the history of the ferries crossing the Menai from Caernarfon to Anglesey. Caernarfon: T. Meirion Hughes. 215 mm x 150 mm. 52 pp + illus. [2007.45B]
Huws, Gwyn Pari; Beggs, Terry. 2003 (repr 2004). The Menai Strait. ISBN: 1-84323-271-5. Softback. Book of photographs and illustrations about Menai Straits, Anglesey and Caernarfon. Llandysul: Gomer. 224 mm x 246 mm. 113 pp + illus, 2 charts. [2007.44B]
Senogles, David. 1969. The Story of Ynys Gorad Goch in the Menai Straits. Paperback. The early history of Ynys Gorad Goch In The Menai Straits by the owner of the island + corrections. Menai Bridge: David Senogles. 214 mm x 138 mm. 97 pp + illus., maps, 4 plates. Contains corrigenda compiled by Maureen Carswell nee Owen, great-great granddaughter of Madoc Jones. [2010.62B]
Masefield, John. 1953. The New Edition of The Conway. Hardback. Book about history of HMS Conway. London: William Heinemann Ltd. 220 mm x 145 mm. 323 pp + frontis., illus. [2005.23B]
Menai Bridge town
Anon. 1928. Menai Bridge official guide North Wales. Paperback. 1928 (?) guide book for Menai Bridge. Menai Bridge: Menai Bridge Urban District Council. 183 mm x 123 mm. 22 + x pp + illus. [2003.2B]
Anon. 1932. Menai Bridge Anglesey – the official guide – 3rd ed. Paperback. Old (1930s?) guide book for Menai Bridge. Cheltenham and London: Ed. J. Burrow & Co. Ltd., Publishers. 182 mm x 124 mm. 40 pp + illus. [2003.16B]
Anon. 1963. Menai Bridge – Anglesey – Official Guide. No.H/13234/MB/K. Softback. Old (1960s?) guide book for Menai Bridge. Carshalton, Surrey: Home Publishing Co. Ltd. 184 mm x 120 mm. iii, 20 pp + illus., map. [2003.11B]
Macinnes, Lesley. 1994. Anglesey: a guide to ancient and historic sites – rev. ed. Cadw: Welsh historic monuments. ISBN: 0 948329 97 1. Softback. Booklet on historic sites on Anglesey including a section on the bridges. Cardiff: Cadw. 210 mm x 148 mm. 44 pp + illus., maps. [2007.41B]
Richards, Robin. 1991. The Secret Bridge. ISBN: 0951760505. Softback. History of town and Suspension bridge from 1936 to 1941 with an account of the bridge reconstruction which was a war secret. Cardiff: Rocket Books. 148 mm x 210 mm . 72 pp + illus. Ex libris Rita Smith. [2006.30B]
Local families
Eames, Aled. 1973 (repr. 1981). Ships and seamen of Anglesey 1558-1918; studies in maritime and local history. ISBN: 0-905555-50-3. Softback. Originally commissioned by Anglesey County Council as No. 4 of a series of specialist studies on the history of the island, and first published in 1973. Whilst written by an academic and rigorously researched, it is also very readable and warm, and full of human interest. Llangefni: Anglesey Antiquarian Society (1973). 208 mm x 140 mm. 674 pp + illus, folding map, 32 plates + index. [2007.38B]
Eames, Aled. 1980. Shipmaster: the life and letters of Capt. Robert Thomas of Llandwrog and Liverpool, 1843-1903. ISBN: 0-901337-25-0. Softback. Life and Letters of Captain Robert Thomas of Llandwrog & Liverpool 1843-1903. Caernarfon: Gwynedd Archives Service. 215 mm x 140 mm. 199 pp + illus., 14 plates. [2006.26B]
Hope, Bryan D. 2005. A Commodious yard: the story of William Thomas & Sons, shipbuilders, shipowners and managers, of Amlwch, Isle of Anglesey 1858-1920. ISBN: 1-84527-021-5. Softback. Book presenting the history of the small Anglesey shipbuilding firm, founded by Captain William Thomas (1822-1893). Capt Thomas’s descendants continued the business changing to iron and steel auxiliary sailing ships and finally steam coasters which they built and owned up to the 1950s. LLanrwst: Gwasg Carreg Gwalch. 245 mm x 170mm. 304 pp + illus. + index. [2007.39B]
Roberts, Gwen Harding. 1970. My memories (written 1970). Paperback. Reminiscences of Gwen Harding Roberts. Menai Bridge: Roberts, Gwen Harding. 210 mm x 148 mm. 90 pp. [2003.18B]
Vale, Robert. 2000. Ruth Vale 1888-1978; Edmund Vale 1888-1969. paper. Booklet with tribute to Ruth & Edmund Vale who wrote much about the Irish Mail through Holyhead. Denbigh: Gwasg Gee. 207 mm x 147 mm. 8 pp + frontis., 60 plates. [2006.36B]
Wood, Dennis Stephenson; Field, Vanessa. 2002. The Vincent family diary: gentry life In Victorian Bangor. ISBN: 1 84220 029 1. Softback. Book about the lives of the eight siblings (born between 1857 and 1868) of the well-known Vincent family of Bangor. Bangor: Marketing & Public Relations Office, University of Wales. 240 mm x 170 mm. 184 pp + illus. [2005.22B]
MBCHT
Various. 2006. ICE News: the newsletter of ICE Wales Cymru, Issue 19. paper. Institution of Civil Engineers newsletter with article on MBCHT. Cardiff: Institution of Civil Engineers. 297 mm x 210 mm. 16 pp. [2008.61B]
Anglesey
Borrow, George. 1955. Wild Wales: its people, language and scenery. ISBN 10: 1111111111 ISBN 13: 9781111111113. Hardback. Classic account of tour of Wales by George Borrow in the 1850s. London: Collins. 187 mm x 117 mm. 544 pp +frontis., 60 plates + index. [2006.24B]
Davies, J. C. 2006. Mon – Yr Ynys Hardd. ISBN-10: 1845270959; ISBN-13: 978-1845270957. Paperback. Portrait of Anglesey in photographs and commentary – in Welsh. Llanrwst: Gwasg Carreg Gwalch. 208 mm x 296 mm. 128 pp. [2007.46B]
Hitches, Mike. 1992. Anglesey in Old Photographs. Softback. Anglesey in Old Photographs. : . [2003.19B]
Jones, Edgar. 2001. Helfa’r Rhwyd = Anglesey tales. ISBN: 0 948469 86 2. Softback. An entertaining collection of 30 bilingual articles presenting tales relating mainly to the history of Anglesey churches, published originally in Welsh in the local monthly paper Y Rhwyd. 41 black-and-white illustrations. Bodedern: Gwasg Taf. 207 mm x 145 mm. 125 pp + illus. [2007.42B]
Lloyd, Roland. 1921. Anglesey official guide. Softback. Anglesey Official Guide, undated. Dundee: The Simmath Press. 177 mm x 122 mm. 48 pp + front & back covers[2013.68.8]
Llwyd, Iwan; Davies, Gwilym. 2001. Mor a mynydd: Eryri a’r glannau o’r awyr = Surf and skylines: Snowdonia and Its shores from the sky. ISBN: 0-86381-737-8. Softback. Bilingual picture book – aerial photographs of Snowdonia and the Gwynedd and Anglesey coastline. Llanrwst: Gwasg Carreg Gwlach. 252 mm x 210 mm. 79 pp + illus. [2007.40B]
Meier, Therese. 2006. Tre-Ysgawen Hall: once upon a time in Anglesey. Hardback. Book telling the Story of Tre-Ysgawen Hall, one of the oldest Hotels on the Island of Anglesey. The book was commissioned by the owner of the Hall and shows some of the old photographs of the Hall and people connected with it. Llangefni: Tre Ysgawen Hall. 285 mm x 235 mm. 172 pp + illus. [2007.47B]
Senogles, David. 2001. A history of part of the parish of Llandysilio – 3rd rev. ed. Paperback. History of part of the parish of Llandysilio. Llandysilio: Llandysilio Parochial Church Council. 210 mm x 147 mm. 12 pp + illus., map. [2006.29B]
Steel, Philip. 1996. The Archive Photographs Series: Isle of Anglesey . Softback. Old photographs of Anglesey. Stroud: The History Press. [2003.20B]
Steele, Philip. 1996. Ynys Mon = Isle of Anglesey. Archive photographs series. ISBN: 0-7524-0310-9. Softback. This book about Anglesey is one part of the Archive Photographs series, which uses old photographs and archived images to show the history of various local areas in Great Britain, through their streets, shops, pubs, and people. Chalford (Glos.): Chalford Publishing Company. 234 mm x 164 mm. 127 pp + illus. [2007.43B]
Gwynedd
Jones, Ivor Wynne. 1979. Fort Belan. ISBN: 095064580X. Softback. History of Fort Belan on the Dinlle Peninsula, Llanwnda near Caernarfon airport. It was built in 1775 to protect the North Wales coast especially attacks resulting from the American War of Independence (the only fort built for this purpose in Europe). Llanwnda, Caernarfon: Arfon Air Ltd. 209 mm x 150 mm. 16 pp + illus. [2007.51B]
North, H.L. 1935. The seven roads across Penmaenmawr: the early trackway to the new viaduct; written at the request of the Caernarvonshire County Council. Softback. Book describing 7 important tracks and roads across Penmaenmawr from ancient times to the present. Caernarfon: Caernarvonshire County Council. 215 mm x 140 mm. 14 pp + folding map. [2006.35B]
Biographies of Engineers
Gibb, Alexander, Sir. 1935. The story of Telford: : The Rise of Civil Engineering. Hardback. Biography of Telford by another well known civil engineer, listing almost everything Telford built. London: Alexander Maclehose & Co. 229 mm x 151 mm. 357 pp + frontis., 24 plates, maps + index. [2006.33B]
Jenkins, Sarah. 2007. Travelling tribute to Telford. ICE News; 22. Softback. Institution of Civil Engineers tribute to Thomas Telford on the 250th anniversary of his birth. Cardiff: Institution of Civil Engineers. 297 mm x 210 mm. 16 pp + illus. [2007.52B]
Lane, Michael R. 1989. The Rendel connection: a dynasty of engineers. ISBN: 1 870948 01 7. Hardback. The story of the civil engineering consultancy firm Rendel, Palmer, and Tritton over its first 150 Years. The book also incorporates the first biography of Its founder, James Meadows Rendel who planned in the 1840s, the development of Holyhead harbour to link up with the new railway that was being built from London to Holyhead. London: Quiller Press. 300 mm x 205 mm. 224 pp + illus. + index. [2007.49B]
Pearce, Rhoda, M. 2001. Thomas Telford: an illustrated life of Thomas Telford, 1757-1834. Lifelines; 10. ISBN: 0-85263-410-2. Softback. Book about life of Thomas Telford. Princes Risborough: Shire Publications Ltd. 210 mm x 148 mm. 48 pp + illus. + index. Gifted by Roj and Tom Jones, 2006. [2006.31B]
Pearce, Rhoda, M. 1978, repr. 2001. Thomas Telford: an illustrated life of Thomas Telford, 1757-1834 – 2nd ed. Lifelines; 10. ISBN: 0 85263 410 2. Softback. Book about life of Thomas Telford. Princes Risborough: Shire Publications Ltd. 210 mm x 148 mm. 48 pp + illus. maps + index. [2003.4B]
Rickman, John. 1838. Atlas to the life of Thomas Telford, Civil Engineer, Containing Eighty-Three Copper Plates, Illustrative of His Professional Labours. Hardback. Atlas to the life of Thomas Telford, Civil Engineer. Pall Mall, London: Payne and Foss. 579 mm x 432 mm. 83 plates[2013.35.27]
Rolt, L.T.C. 1979 (repr. 1985). Thomas Telford. ISBN: 0 14 008125 9. Softback. Classic biography of Telford describing his life from humble beginnings as the son of a Dumfiesshire shepherd, born in Eskdale, in 1757, to his death in 1834 and subsequent burial in Westminster Abbey. London: Penguin Books Ltd. 197 mm x 128 mm. 224 pp + 12 plates + index. [2003.14B]
Smiles, Samuel. 1862. Lives of the Engineers with an account of their principal works; comprising also a history of inland communication in Britain. Vol. II. Hardback. Smiles’ classic 19th century account of important civil engineers and their achievements. London: John Murray. 238 mm x 160 mm. 502 pp + illus., 5 plates + index. [2006.34B]
Stacey, Tom. 2005. Thomas Brassey: the greatest railway builder in the world. Born November 7, 1805. Died December 8, 1870′. ISBN: 1905299095; 978-1905299096. Softback. London: Stacey International. 210 mm x 150 mm. 36 pp + portrait. [2008.60B]
Tames, Richard. 2000. Isambard Kingdom Brunel:: an illustrated life.1806-1859. Lifelines; 1. ISBN: 0-7478-0459-1. Softback. Book about Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Princes Risborough, Bucks.: Shire Publications Ltd. 210 mm x 147 mm. 48 pp + illus. + index. [2003.1B]
Engineering in North Wales
Thomas, Keith. 2010. Civil engineering heritage : Wales. Civil engineering heritage. ISBN: 978-1-86077-638-0. Softback. Account of civil engineering achievements in Wales including the two bridges. Andover: Phillimore. 245 mm x 185 mm. 182 pp + illus + index. [2013.25]
Welsh Development Agency. 2005. Welsh Achievements in science, technology and engineering = Cymru’n llwyddo mewn gwyddoniaeth, technoleg a pheirianneg. ISBN: 978 1 4734 0171 6. Softback. Booklet advertising the achievements in Wales in the areas of science, technology and engineering. Cardiff: Welsh Assembly Government. 210 mm x 150 mm. 144 (72+72) pp + illus. [2006.48B]
Wrexham County Borough Council; British Waterways; Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales. 2008. Pontcysyllte Aqueduct & Canal: Nomination as a World Heritage Site – Nomination Document. ISBN: 978-1-871184-31-0. Paperback. Pontcysyllte Aqueduct & Canal: Nomination as a World Heritage Site – Nomination Document and Management Plan. In slip case. Aberystwyth: Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales. 298 mm x 210 mm . 232 (Volume 1) pp + illus., maps. [2008.59B]
Fullalove, Simon. 2007. Thomas Telford: 250 years of inspiration. Proceedings of the Institute of Civil Engineers; vol 160, special issue 1. ISBN: 978 0 7277 3500 3. Softback. This celebration of Telford’s work marks the 250th anniversary of his birth. It includes original illustrations from the Institution of Civil Engineers archives and is written by industry experts to demonstrate the impact that his works and ideas still have on society today. London: Thomas Telford Ltd. 296 mm x 210 mm. 64 pp + illus., maps. [2007.50B]
Key to references
Text in bold refers to personal or institutional authors.
Text in square brackets refers to museum acquisition number.
Text in italics refers to title of book or article.
Publishers location and name where known are separated by a colon.
Measurements (mm) refer to height x width of front cover or first page.
Abbreviations
| ed. | edition |
| frontis. | frontispiece |
| illus. | illustrations or illustrated |
| pp | pages (number of) |
| rev. | revised |