Britannia Bridge Fire 1969
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A huge fire on the Britannia Bridge.
Story of the 1969 fire on the Britannia Bridge, the railway bridge linking Anglesey to the rest of Wales. Includes an interview with one of the perpetrators, proving that the act was not a political act as it was seen at the time but just a prank that went wrong. The fire destroyed the bridge totally and was not rebuilt until 1972. This had disastrous effects on transport to and from the island.
From: The Night The Bridge Caught Fire
First broadcast : 29 January 1972
Teachers' notes
Age Group : 7-9,9-11
Subject : History
Topic : Modern Wales and Britain
Keywords : Transport, Anglesey, Britannia Bridge, Bridges, Railways, History of railways,
Notes : Points to study - What caused the fire? Why was it seen firstly as a political act (1969)? Why was it seen as such a problem at the time for the Welsh transport network? Useful for local studies - Anglesey and areas close to bridge.
