The bridge is first documented in 1538[3] and is believed to have existed since medieval times, originally constructed from timber.

It was replaced by a temporary bridge in 1808 after being severely damaged by flooding[4] and the repaired bridge, in 1810, was widened on the northwest (upstream) side (the downstream side remains original to 1706).

[3] The bridge engineer was Benjamin James (of Llangattock) and the cost totalled £2,300.

[7] Crickhowell Bridge is unusual (due to the 1828 alterations) in that it has a different number of arches upstream (12) from downstream (13).

Construction is of rubble masonry with flat coping stones on the parapets.