The bridge consists of two separate structures and is just upstream from Ipswich dock on a tidal section of the river.
[1] The fact that the Domesday Book mentions Saint Mary at Stoke implies that a crossing existed much earlier.
[2] The town records of the reign of Elizabeth I note that 28 loads of timber were transported from Whitton for the building of Stoke Bridge.
In 1779, there is a record of two sturdy beggars, who stood on Stoke Bridge on a Sunday morning, insulting any who did not give them money.
In 1789, Robert Ransome moved to Ipswich to begin the “Orwell Works" company employing 1500 men.