[1] It had six arches, and replaced a ferry which was dangerous during times of bad weather and limited the volume of traffic that could pass through the town.

[1] The bridge was repaired, but a storm on 25 October 1797 caused damage to the foundations of the centre arches, and the weakened structure collapsed into the river the following day.

[2][4] It was his first major road bridge, and he gave exacting instructions for its construction, advising the trustees to build deep foundations by day labour instead of contract.

[7] The collection of tolls continued until 1854, when there were riots protesting against the failure of the trust that ran the bridge to publish accounts.

[8] In 1993, a fire engine crashed through the parapet whilst en route to an incident, resulting in the death of the driver.