Acoustic emission (AE) monitoring has the unique ability to record crack propagation and the response of structures to live loading; however, its use for masonry is currently very limited. AE technique was applied to a series of small-scale laboratory specimens under compression and shear to develop deeper understanding of the stages of fracture development process and signal characteristics under quasi-static and long-term fatigue loading. Field monitoring was subsequently carried out on a brick masonry arch bridge to identify its response to traffic loading, structural condition and efficacy of strengthening works with the help of laboratory test results.