The bridge dates back to Medieval times, and is the setting for the awarding of a sword to the incoming Bishop of Durham.

[5][6] It remained an important crossing point between Yorkshire and County Durham; in late 1569, Sir Ralph Sadler and the Earl of Sussex, both loyal to Elizabeth I, gathered their forces at the bridge to ride northwards during the Rising of the North campaign.

[9][10][11][3] A blue stone is a used as a marker on the third pier, and is inscribed with the following; "DUN CONTRIBVAT NORTH RID.

[14] In 1795, the width of the bridge was extended by 15 feet (4.6 m) on the upstream side by noted architect John Carr.

A few lines are said, and the bishop then gives the falchion back wishing the master of Sockburn, a long life, health and prosperity.

[21] The ceremony used to be held at Neasham which is nearer Sockburn, but the ford there has become unpassable even in low water.

[22] The ceremony was discontinued in 1826 when Durham ceased to be a Palatinate, but was revived by the investiture of John Habgood in 1973.