The man who built Britain

There have been many occasions when I've driven in or out of Edinburgh and have found myself crossing over the Dean Bridge. From the top, it's hard to imagine the scale of the engineering, and I had no idea as to its history. Well, tonight on BBC2, I learnt all about Thomas Telford, the Scottish engineer who designed the bridge. The programme was being broadcast to mark the 250th anniversary of his birth (despite the Radio Times claiming it was the 300th anniversary). It was one of those programmes that made me feel that the TV licence is worth paying. A pleasant change from all those home makeover, garden makeover, cookery, quiz or so-called "reality" shows that seem to be endlessly churned out by TV executives these days. Apart from the wonderful background music, I was able to enjoy countless views across the British Isles of all the marvellous bridges, canals and roads (and later in his life, churches and manses) that Telford designed. With such a huge quantity of things created in his lifetime, it's not surprising that a town (in Shropshire) was named after him. When most people, including myself, think of a great British engineer, thoughts automatically turn towards a certain Mr Isambard Kingdom Brunel. However, in future, I shall think more about all the practical things left to us by Telford - such as the Menai Strait suspension bridge, the Caledonian Canal, various harbours and hundreds of miles of roads. Most people I think would like to leave a lasting impression on the world when their time is up. Thomas Telford certainly delivered! For more information, just click onto this Wikipedia link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Telford