History of Conwy Suspension Bridge

The need for a bridge

Since medieval times, people have used this location to cross the River Conwy. Before 1826, travellers had to use boats. The crossing was notorious for its dangerous tides, unpredictable weather and disagreeable ferrymen. These dangers worsened as traffic and passenger numbers increased in the 18th century.

As trade expanded in the 18th century, the Chester to Holyhead road became an important route to Ireland and in 1821, the British government officially approved the construction of the Conwy Suspension Bridge. Thomas Telford chose this location under the castle for its solid foundations. The bridge took four years to build and officially opened on July 1, 1826.

The toll house at Conwy

Thomas Telford designed the toll house for the toll-keeper, whose takings helped pay for the bridge’s uptake. Tolls were collected at the distinctive starburst gate. The charges for crossing in 1891-2 are displayed above the toll house door. People, animals and vehicles had to pay a toll but also wheelbarrows and even letters carried by the Chester to Holy head coach. In the first 10 years of the bridge, the tolls for letters raised £101,708 and traffic raised £16,580.

In the 1890s a family of six lived in the toll house, taking the tolls for the bridge 24 hours a day seven days a week. 

David and Maria Williams kept Thomas Telford's bridge open every day of the year and Maria took in washing from around the town of Conwy to make extra money to support the family. David created a vegetable garden and they sold any surplus food to people crossing the bridge. This is an early example of a cottage garden industry. 

20th century traffic

In the 1820s, crossing via the bridge was the fastest route available. Telford designed the route with a maximum gradient of 1:20 so that horse drawn coaches could travel at a constant speed of 10 miles per hour.

As motor vehicle use increased, the process of crossing the single carriageway became painfully slow. With the construction of the adjacent road bridge, Telford’s bridge no longer served a purpose and the last car crossed on 30th November, 1958 at 8.30pm.

In 1965, a referendum of Conwy residents resulted in the majority voting to demolish the bridge, due to the costs to maintain it. The National Trust raised the money to save the bridge following an appeal to its members. Major repair programs in 1988 and 1995 conserved the structure and reduced the load on the chains.

Today, the bridge is open year-round for pedestrians and cyclists.