 The whole project ( including the three failed attempts ) cost the architect a total of £ 1 @,@ 153 18s . 2d . ( approximately £ 1 @,@ 153 @.@ 91 ) , and consequently he made a loss of over £ 600 . It was reported that Edwards ' attempts to build the bridge over the River Taff left him in a considerable amount of debt and Thomas Morgan reported that " … the mason was considerably in debt and greatly discouraged . 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 . " 
