Originally a wooden foot bridge across the River Exe and the scene in 1332 of a quarrel between Sir Alexander Cruwys, Knight of Cruwys Morchard and a Bickleigh Carew. Carew was run through with a sword, the rails breaking, and his dead body  thrown into the river. The ghost of Carew is said to ride headless over the bridge at midnight on Midsummer Eve.

Crossing would have been possible by the nearby ford when river levels allowed. To accommodate coach traffic the bridge was widened and built of stone in the early 1600's. The architect was Hiram Arthur and the bridge with 5 round arches allowed only single traffic with V recesses for pedestrians.

By 1772 the bridge was widened to take a double line of traffic and the recesses removed.

In 1790 the lower valley road between Exeter and Tiverton was opened and the bridge came into full use.

Over the years extensive repairs have been needed on account of flooding. Today large vehicles using the bridge crossing are causing damage.

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