12th century bridge, 'Rice Bridge', Little Clacton (EHER 48673)

The Rice Bridge on the Holland Brook, in existence by 1319 when an Agnes de Risbregge (Agnes of Rice Bridge) was recorded in a taxation return for Little Clacton. The bridge also gave its name to the surrounding land as an estate called Risbridge or Rosebridge was recorded in the later 16th century. The present brick structure is dated to the early 20th century.

Rice bridge spans the Holland brook, which is the parish boundary between little Clacton and Thorpe-le-Soken. It was in existence by 1319 when an Agnes de Risbregge (Agnes of Rice Bridge) was recorded in a taxation return for Little Clacton. The bridge also gave its name to the surrounding land as an estate called Risbridge or Rosebridge was recorded in the later 16th century. Rice Bridge derives from 'hris brycg' - meaning a brushwood bridge or causeway. In 1612 the tenants of Thorpe Park and Clacton park were ordered to 'make' the bridge, and it was still a wooden footway in 1783. The present brick-built bridge dates to the early 20th century. <1>