History of Conwy Suspension Bridge

Discover a hidden gem, Thomas Telford’s elegant suspension bridge that spans the Conwy River and see the outside of the toll-keepers house and garden. See how trade and travel brought Conwy to life.

The toll house at Conwy

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.

A black sign with white print detailing the toll fees to cross the Conwy Suspension Bridge, Conwy. — The toll fees board at Conwy Suspension Bridge | © National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra

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. An early example of a cottage garden industry.

An oil lamp with a decorative stand is next to a wooden carriage clock, standing against grey and yellow patterned wallpaper inside the toll-house at Conwy Suspension Bridge, Conwy. — An oil lamp and a clock inside the toll-house at Conwy Suspension Bridge | © National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra

A comfortable home

Today the toll house is furnished as it would have been a century ago with features such as oil lamps, a metal framed bed and ceramics on display. Step inside and discover what life was like at the toll house where the residents needed to be taking the toll payments 24 hours a day.

The Toll House garden

In 2013, we teamed up with Bwyd Bendigedig (Incredible Edible) to re-create David’s garden. Now the volunteer group works to make sure that the garden is stocked with delicious vegetables and aromatic herbs.

On your visit, step back in time to when David and Maria would have tended to the garden themselves and enjoy the scent of herbs and pick a little to smell and taste.

View of the turrets and chains of Conwy Suspension Bridge taken from the bridge

Discover more at Conwy Suspension Bridge

Find out when Conwy Suspension Bridge is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.

Plan your visit

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