In many analyses it is a series of three bridges – before the northern one is reached, mainly to the east, is the smaller island hosting the Swan Inn.

On the main north bank are slight earthworks forming a large square in which further remains have been found of Matilda's Castle and some Roman artefacts.

Much of the structure was torn down during the Battle of Radcot Bridge on 19 December 1387 between troops loyal to Richard II, led by court favourite Robert de Vere, and an army captained by Richard's cousin Henry Bolingbroke, Earl of Derby – the future Henry IV.

It was severely damaged during the latter part of the Wars of the Roses, and was largely rebuilt as it appears today, with a flattened centre arch.

During this era of the Industrial Revolution in the United Kingdom the local towpath would also have become heavily worn year-round for the first time.