For 15 consecutive days the sun beat down on Britain and the temperature hovered at 32C (89.6F).And yet, it would appear, schools managed to stay open and, for the most part, the nation enjoyed the record heat or else simply soldiered on.That was back in 1976 when it seems we took the temperatures – and the queues at standpipes and the traffic as thousands headed for the beach – in our stride.However, fast forward half a century amid a shorter hot spell, and tens of thousands of children won't be at school today or else will leave early.And many workers are expected to take the day off – either heeding warnings to avoid travel or else simply heading for the local park, pool or the nearest beach.The Army has cancelled ceremonial operations - including the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace - in London and Windsor to protect its soldiers' 'wellbeing' while lidos are fully booked days in advance.Scorching temperatures caused by a 'heat dome' have even closed a bridge linking Wales and England - Monmouthshire County Council told pedestrians they would not be able to walk across the Old Wye bridge in Chepstow on Tuesday.Recently reopened, the Grade I-listed bridge was left off limits again due to the high temperatures.