Beachley Ferries
Although the River Severn between Beachley and Aust is amongst the most treacherous river crossings in the United Kingdom it was used as a main ferry route for centuries until the opening of the Severn Bridge in September 1966.
The village of Beachley between the Wye and the Severn owed its existence to the ferry and fishing. Among the earliest records of the ferry is from the 12th Century when Gilbert de Clare granted free passage to the monks of Tintern Abbey . Over the centuries the crossing became more important eventually was the route of the mail coach between London and Ireland. The Beachley to Aust crossing became known as the Old Passage while the Black Rock to near Pilning crossing was the New Passage.
The Old Passage Ferry Association was formed in 1825 and a new longer pier was built to allow for more crossings each day.