Crossing the Worlds Most Dangerous Estuary - A brief History

Welcome to this weeks video in which we walk up and down the Severn Estuary looking for some of the crazy ways in which people have tried to ross it for 1000's of years,

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Credit and Thanks:
Pictures: CC 2.0 and 3.0 credit given within video.

[dumbmutts.]

I worked on the construction based on the Welsh side. When working in the tidal zone there would be a bell to make sure you got back to land before the tide came in. Sometimes we couldn't get the plant back because of the mud and on a couple of occasions we had to leave 40 ton concrete pumps. Going back when the tide was out they had disappeared only to show up a couple of days later, brought back by the tides, smashed to hell. That was one hell of a scary tide. There was a natural spring there, I think the local Whitbread brewery used it as a water source and a job I had was to wade through chest deep silt and mud to the spring and take a sample to ensure the works weren't polluting it. That was so strenuous especially with all the safety kit and harnesses I had to carry.

[bobsrailrelics]

Lot of work put into this and some great drone footage. The old railway bridge was a problem due to its weight restriction in later years. It was a challenge whether to upgrade it or demolished it. The barges settled it once and for all. Sad that it was such a tragic accident. Keep it going.

[BarneyLeith]

In the early 1960s the engineering society at school arranged a trip on British Railways Western Region's Chief Civil Engineer's observation carriage from Reading to Severn Tunnel Junction and then up the branch line to the Sudbrook pumping station. We saw the old Cornish engine pumps and we took a lift down into the tunnel itself (through heavy wooden door) while a train went past. I'm sure this would never be allowed today. After visiting the tunnel we visited the site of the Severn road bridge (the suspension bridge that's now part of the M48). We went up on the bridge deck (which wasn't yet complete) and then down into the vast concrete blocks that anchor the cable. A great trip, but I'm sure elf'n'safety would never allow a gang of teenage schoolboys to do these kinds of things now. Thanks for the video!

[brianartillery]

I'm always amused when the name 'Aust' comes up - when I was a kid, I went with my family on holiday to Wales. My late father never believed in 'Straight Line' travelling, preferring to wander about, stopping off anywhere he found interesting. Anyway, we stopped off at Aust services, and ordered some cold drinks. I had a cup of Fanta, which the lady serving, filled very full, and suggested taking a mouthful off the top. I should point out, at this point, the cafeteria was packed with people. The Fanta was extremely fizzy, and cold, and I took a big gulp. The result of this was an immediate, and incredibly loud burp, which echoed round the big room, which fell silent. I remember mum wishing the floor would swallow her up, and dad laughing fit to burst. I've not visited since.
Great video about a fascinating place. Thank you.

[geoffcook]

Wow! Paul, Rebecca, Possibly your best yet! This is a standard of documentary I would expect to see on the BBC, not YouTube! Your research is meticulous, the execution to the finished product nothing short of excellent! Careful, if you top this, I'll have run out of superlatives!

[duncanmckinnell]

One of your best Paul & Rebecca. Definitely worth the considerable effort you put into it.

[Richardincancale]

I remember as a school child in around 1965 going on a school trip from Bristol to Aust to see the ‘new’ bridge being constructed. Best bit was collecting fossilised sharks teeth on the beach where you were standing at 11:00. Black pointy teeth embedded in limestone that could be removed with acid!

[DavidBeddard]

I'd like to echo the sentiments already expressed by other appreciative viewers and congratulate you on a cracking mini documentary. Kudos! Definitely two months well spent.

[stevehallam]

Great piece of research, even as a local (Bristolian) I learnt a lot. Severn Beach used to be quite a seaside resort, popular with Bristolians as it was cheaper to get to than Weston! There were also regular excursion trains from the Midlands.

[neilfurby]

Wonderful production and infectious enthusiasm...easily one of the top offerings on yt...thank you.

[michaelpilling]

That was one of your very best videos. Wonderful historical interest. Full of facts and information. Thank you so much for all the hard work you put into making this film.

[francescacd]

Absolutely fascinating. Living in Bristol, I just take accessing South Wales by road and rail for granted.I must admit I forgot about the attempt to cross the Severn in the Forest of Dean area until it was mentioned in the video, but I had heard the story of its fate before.Many thanks.

[chrisb]

Really loved this. The Severn crossing (esp the M48 one) holds so many great feelings for me. Coming home to Cymru, lots of history so well put together in a 12 minute video. Can see the high level of work you put in. Thank you!

[davedave]

So much I didn't know (or have forgotten). This one video alone, of your many, will inspire many hours of further reading. Thank You both for the hard work.

[grahamcheshire]

An excellent and interesting production as always. I have lived within less than a mile of the M48 Bridge for more than 40 years and it is certainly an impressive area, particularly when the tide is coming in.

[stevehendon]

If anyone is interested, one of my college lecturers wrote a book on one of the ferry crossings 'The ferry:Newnham and Arlingham by Margaret H. Willis. Both she and her husband, Brian, are buried at Newnham cemetery.

That would explain the name of the pub at Arlingham; The Old Passage Inn 😊

[dhdove]

Hi both, great video, thank you. I’m local and can remember travelling on the ferry under the first Severn bridge whilst it was under construction. It was an amazing sight, men hundreds of feet above the water on mesh catwalks stringing the cables, no hard hats hi viz jackets or safety lines, different times. On the day the bridge opened we were given a day off school (Olveston Primary) and bussed to the bridge to watch, cheer the Queen and wave our Union Jacks. We sat on the grassy banks of the motorway cutting adjacent to the toll booths, all grown over with trees now.
One crossing you missed out. Electricity.
The pylons that carry the high voltage (275kV) cables across the river adjacent to the first bridge were built in 1959 and were the highest in the U.K. until the ones across the Thames were built. There are also tunnels which run under the old bridge which carry high voltage cables.
Best
TonyS

[Shaun.Stephens]

It's great to see 'without further ado' being used properly! 11:48 Almost every time I hear it these days the person then continues on with more 'ado'.
Thanks for this.

[SimonBanfield]

Really fascinating documentary. You told the story in a really engaging fashion, with great footage, elegant editing and perfect atmospheric music. Something this channel should be really proud of!

[Teesbrough]

Definitely worth the two months prep. Excellent!
I wanted to shout out ‘Orst’ a few times but by your last mention you must have heard already.