History

Swarkestone Causeway dates back to the 13th or 14th century. The village at its southern end, Stanton, was renamed Stanton-by-Bridge, in the late 13th century. The bridge over the Trent may be slightly older than the Causeway and at one time hosted a Bridge Chapel.

The present elegant Swarkestone Bridge was built in 1797 for £3550.

Swarkestone Bridge and Causeway were the site of a Civil War battle in 1643 when the Royalists defending the structure were defeated by the Cromwellian Sir John Gell.

In 1745 Bonnie Prince Charlie's troops, on route for London, halted here and turned back to Derby and eventually to Scotland.