[12] In 1746 when William Edwards was just 27 years of age,[13] he was commissioned by the Hundreds of Miskin and Caerphilly to build a three-arch bridge across the River Taff.

However, The National Library of Wales has a contemporary work known as the Plasybrain manuscript which says, "Just after the first single arch was finished and before the centre was struck, a flood came and carried all away."

[3] In the Theory of Arches and Pontypridd, it states that "the weight of the bridge was either too great on the haunches or too little on the crown."

At this stage Edwards was either encouraged or forced to try again with extra money being provided to cover his losses for the earlier attempts.

[16] This reduced the weight and pressure on the crown and the bridge is still in operation today, although it is now only used for foot traffic.

The Theory of Arches and Pontypridd states that as a bridge for commerce, it was a failure, as it was "only eleven feet wide between the parapets and so steep that wagons had to use a 'chain and drag' to descend from the crown.

But the Lords Talbot and Windsor, who have estates in the neighbourhood, pitied his case, and being willing to encourage such an enterprising genius, most generously promoted a subscription among the gentry in those parts.

[20] The Old Bridge is now a scheduled monument and is also depicted in emblems of local sport teams, including Pontypridd F.C.

[23] The community-to-community organisation PONT (Partnerships Overseas Networking Trust), also bases its logo upon the Bridge.