The first developments, on the north side of the A27, were designed by architect Herbert Collins, whose houses are a feature of several other Southampton districts.

A larger estate was later constructed on the south side, along with Mansbridge Primary School, the logo of which is the bridge itself.

The residential area of Mansbridge is bordered to the west by the London to Weymouth railway line and to the east by the river.

Beyond the river, Mansbridge takes on a much more rural air, with woodland to the south and water meadows to the north.

There has been a bridge at Mansbridge since at least the year 932, when it was referred to as Mannysbrigge in King Athelstan's charter to the prior of St. Swithun's Priory in Winchester.