The league was formed in 1922 as the Bedfordshire County League, beginning with eight clubs; Arlesey Town, Biggleswade & District Reserves, Leighton United, Letchworth Town, Luton Clarence Reserves, RAF Henlow, Stotfold Athletic and Waterlows Athletic.

[1] A second division was added in 1925,[1] and in 1929 it was renamed the South Midlands League.

[1] The league was abandoned in 1939 due to World War II, before returning for the 1946–47 season.

The best performance came from Barton Rovers in 1976–77 when they reached the fourth qualifying round.

South Midlands League clubs had more success in the FA Vase, with Barton Rovers reaching the final in 1977–78 and Arlesey Town winning the competition in 1994–95.