Grindleford as a parish is remarkably recent, having been created in 1987 by the amalgamation of Padley, Stoke and Eyam Woodlands. The ford had however existed for centuries. Economic activity in the Hope Valley was stimulated by the arrival of the Midland railway between Sheffield and Manchester in 1894. Grindleford station is close to Totley Tunnel, over three and a half miles long, the second longest railway tunnel in Britain.

Toll Bar Cottage is situated on the north-eastern side of Grindleford Bridge, and is built of traditional gritstone with a stone slated roof. It dates from the 17th century, becoming a tollhouse in the 18th, with the advent of the Turnpike era. It has a rounded bay jutting out towards the roadway and newer dressed stonework where the toll window has been closed up. The River Derwent flows just behind the house which stands on the B6521 Sheffield to Bakewell road which crosses the river near the cotttage.

Travellers who passed the cottage paid at this "box office" to use the Sheffield to Buxton Turnpike, set up by an Act of Parliament in 1758. The route left Sheffield by Psalter Lane, through Banner Cross and Ringinglow (where there was a tollgate) past Fox House Inn and through Longshaw Woods more or less following the route of today's B6521. The route then continued over the bridge to make its way towards Buxton, turning right up what is now a minor route over 'Sir William's Hill. This route, very steep, and exposed, was replaced as the main thoroughfare by the present lower road (B6521) via Eyam and Foolow in 1795.

The building is Listed Grade II.