[1][2] The original bridge is thought to have been made of wood, and was then rebuilt in stone at the end of the 13th century.

[1] Swarkestone Bridge is, in total, just under a mile long and has 17 arches (six of which have been unaltered since medieval times); it is built primarily of local sandstone.

[2] In 1745, Swarkestone Bridge was the southernmost point of Bonnie Prince Charlie's advance on London, in his attempt to claim the British throne.

[1] Finding no reports of support from the south, they turned back to Derby and then retreated to Scotland and their final defeat at the Battle of Culloden.

[2] During the Second World War, it was defended by gun emplacements and tank traps in case of a German invasion.

[1] The bridge has been widened several times (the first in 1799 and recorded works in 1808, 1830 and 1852), but is undersized for modern traffic; in several places it is scarcely two lanes and cars are unable to pass at several points.

Both had become engaged and were to throw a joint celebration; their fiancés, however, had to meet with the local barons on the far side of the river.