[1][2] Ferrybridge lies at a historically important crossing of the River Aire which borders the North Yorkshire village of Brotherton.

The Ferrybridge power stations to the north dominated the skyline around the village prior to their demolition.

The history of Ferrybridge - and its neighbour, Knottingley - dates back to the establishment of Anglo-Saxon settlements along this stretch of the river.

The respective histories of the two settlements of Ferrybridge and Knottingley are closely linked, bringing glassmaking, shipbuilding, brewing and potteries to the area.

Ferry Bridge is a Grade I listed building, and was designed by John Carr of York in 1797 and built by Bernard Hartley of Pontefract in 1804.

Up to the end of the 17th century, Knottingley was an important inland port in the West Riding as the River Aire was not navigable beyond it.