Wynch Bridge is the second bridge to have crossed the Tees at this point. The first, built in 1741, was the earliest known suspension bridge in Europe. In 1802, one of the cables snapped as a party of walkers was crossing the bridge. Three men tumbled into the river in the gorge below; one of them drowned. The bridge was initially repaired but, in 1830, it was replaced by the present bridge.