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A mediaeval bridge over the South Esk, built for the monks of Newbattle Abbey. It would have stood on the approach to the abbey for anyone descending Soutra on their way into Lothian. This was the route taken by Edward I and his army of conquest in 1295 and again when he marched north to defeat William Wallace at the Battle of Falkirk in 1298.

"And on the fifteenth day went to Jedburgh; on the Thursday to nearby Whitekirk; on the Friday to Castletown; on the Sunday back again to Wiell; the Monday to Jedburgh; the Friday to Roxburgh; the Monday after to Lauder; the Tuesday to the abbey of Newbattle; the Wednesday to the abbey at Edinburgh, and caused there to be set up three engines casting into the castle day and night; and on the fifth day they spoke of peace; on the eighth day the King went to his bed to Linlithgow, the engines casting still before the castle." -- extract from The Voyage Of King Edward Into Scotland With All His Lodgings Briefly Expressed, 1295

It is believed that the bridge takes its name from being crossed by Henry VII's daughter, Margaret, on her way to marry King James IV in 1504. Accompanied by the earl of Surrey at the head of 500 soldiers, she stopped at Newbattle Abbey to obtain a blessing from the monks before meeting her future spouse.