Bingley is a town of great antiquity. There has been a settlement here since Saxon times, and in the year 738 and certain Keon, brother of Egbert, Archbishop of York, spoke very highly of the town. The Normans were here in force and Bingley has the distinction of being mentioned in the Domesday Book.

The town must have gone into a considerable decline following the devastation of the North by the Normans, but it survived and continued to grow throughout the middle ages. Trade flourished and in the year 1212 the town was granted a market charter by the reigning monarch, King John.

Throughout the ages the River Aire must of been of great significance to the town - providing water for washing and cooking and for watering horses and cattle.

Ireland Bridge as it now stands is the second bridge to be built at this point on the river. The first bridge was a wooden structure which, in all probability, was built by the Normans to span the river at a point adjacent to the ford. The appearance of this first bridge is not known but it is recorded that is was for use by pedestrians and horses only.

The present bridge, which could be used by all manner of traffic, was built in 1686 and was eventually widened in 1776.

There are a number of theories concerning the origin if the name "Ireland", but none of them are conclusive and the exact origin remains a mystery.

There were Stepping Stones in the river which brought pedestrians across to the bottom of Ferrand Lane and into Main Street. At times when the water in the river is particularly low it is still possible to see some of the stones which must have lain there for eight, nine or even ten centuries.

The Stepping Stones demanded courage from the townspeople and from those living in outlying farms and hamlets. Courage was, however, not lacking and on Holy days and on feast days the traffic across the stones was particularly brisk. Young and old would brave the waters and flock into the town either to worship in the Parish Church or to enjoy the revelry and the feasting - and no doubt the drinking too.