In remote times, the inhabitants of the town and feudal lords of Hay Castle, most likely looked upon the Wye as a serviceable barrier against a sudden incursion of an enemy from that quarter, while for all legitimate purposes, the coracle or the ford would give ample accommodation.
Public subscriptions were invited, and as a result, a large abutment wall and three piers were built, but then the work stopped for want of funds.
In 1756, an act of parliament was obtained, appointing commissioners with powers to erect a bridge and to levy tolls for its maintenance.
The following were the commissioners first appointed: Sir Edward Williams; Thomas Beavan, of Court Evan Gwynn, George Devereux, Thomas Hughes; Roger Jones; James Price; William Stephens, clerk; Henry Probert Howarth, clerk; John Jones, apothecary; Hugh Price, John Gwynn, Edward Allen, Henry Wellington, mercer; and Thomas Beavan, of the Court of Clyro.
In February 1795, the centre part and south end of the bridge was washed away by a great flood, which happened after the breaking up of a long and severe frost.