The bridge was named John Richardson Selwyn, second Bishop of Melanesia (1877-1891). Bishop Selwyn was the son George Augustus Selwyn who as the first Bishop of New Zealand petitioned NSW Governors for over 15 years to establish a Melanesian Misson on Norfolk Island.
The Misison operated on Norfolk Island between 1866 and 1919 and this bridge was within the Mission grounds. The aim of the Mission was to train young Melansians as teaches and clergy who on return to their communities would act as missionaries.
The bridge was made by local men carry out community work as payment for minor infringements.
During the 1930’s a sawmill was operated downstream from Selwyn Creek Bridge. The remains of the steam traction engine that powered the mill are the only physical reminders of that once important industry