It links the peninsula in central Durham and the Elvet area of the city, and is a Grade I listed building.

[1] Building of the bridge began in AD 1160[2] in the time of Bishop Hugh de Puiset (1153–95).

[4] A key reason for building the bridge was the urban development taking place in what was the then Elvet borough.

[1][6] In the 18th century the House of Correction and many buildings at the north end of the bridge were demolished.

[6] The chapel on the eastern, Elvet, side of the bridge has partially survived and is particularly visible from the riverbanks to the south.