The bridge was built in 1822–1826 at a cost of £51,000 (equivalent to $5,688,000 in 2023) and replaced the ferry at the same point.

The original wooden deck was replaced by an iron roadway in the late nineteenth century and it was strengthened by adding wire cables above the original iron chains in 1903.

[3] The suspension bridge is now only used as a footbridge and has been owned by the National Trust since 1965 who make a small charge for entry.

[4] Telford designed the bridge to match the adjacent Conwy Castle.

Part of the castle had to be demolished during construction to anchor the suspension cables.