The Conwy Suspension Bridge, one of the first suspension bridges in the world, was designed and built by Thomas Telford in 1826 as part of his improvements to the Bangor-Chester road.

Although on nothing like the scale of his suspension bridge across the Menai Strait, it stands beneath the 13th century Conwy Castle and is open to public, along with the tollkeeper's house.

During his life, Thomas Telford built more than 1,000 miles of road, including the main road from London to Holyhead. It was during the construction of this ambitious project that he was invited to build a bridge spanning the Conwy estuary.

Telford's original plan was to build a cast-iron bridge, but he changed his mind and decided on what was then a far more pioneering design.

The bridge became a vital link between East and West, allowing a much quicker and safer passage across the Conwy estuary, and easier access to the ferry across the Irish Sea.

The impressive structure stands next to Conwy Castle, a world heritage site. Part of the castle actually had to be demolished during the bridge's construction in order for the suspension cables to be anchored into the rock.

Telford matched the bridge's supporting towers with the castle's turrets, a style similar to one of his other famous bridges, the Menai Suspension Bridge.

Today, the bridge is in the care of the National Trust and at just 2.5 metres wide, is only passable on foot, although it remains an important route for local traffic.

The bridge's custodian, David Jennings, says Conwy is proud of its links with the famous engineer. "Thomas Telford was one of the most important engineers the world has ever seen, and the fact that we have such fine examples of his work in Wales, is definitely something worth celebrating," he said.

Visit the bridge.

Photos and information courtesy of The National Trust.

More on crossing the river.