South Milford is now generally considered a commuter village for nearby towns and cities because of the local motorway network, including the A1(M), M1 and M62.

The name derives from Anglo-Saxon, and though it predates the Domesday Book, it is not explicitly mentioned, though North Milford near Kirkby Wharfe is.

[9] South Milford lies at the convergence of several lines, and was an important staging post in coal traffic between the pits and the power stations in the Aire Valley.

There are a spiral staircase which leads into a large room above the arch and a number of shields and coats of arms surrounding the structure.

[15][16] In 1974 the area was moving from the West Riding into North Yorkshire, and until April 2023, it was part of the Selby District.