The bridge was built by Samuel Watson c. 1675,[note 3] a local Quaker who owned Knight Stainforth Hall, a Jacobean house which was nearby.

[7][8][9] Previous to this, the site was a ford which was impassable during times of flood, and a local legend suggests that the crossing was used by the Romans.

[10][11] The bridge carries a minor road, Dog Hill Brow, over the river connecting Knight and Little Stainforth.

[19][20] On 23 September 1931, the bridge went from private ownership into the National Trust, helped by an endowment by the previous owners.

[21] It was thought that the National Trust could enforce restrictions on heavy goods vehicles more effectively than private owners.