REDBRIDGE, a hamlet in the parish of MILLBROOK,
hundred of BUDDLESGATE, Fawley division of
the county of SOUTHAMPTON, 3 miles (N. W. by W.)
from Southampton. The population is returned with
the parish. This is an extensive and populous village
of very remote origin; according to Bede's ecclesiastical
history, its original name was Reodford, afterwards
changed to Rodbridge, now by corruption Redbridge,
probably from an ancient bridge which here crosses
the Test. Here was a monastery in the infancy of the
Saxon church; and, in 687, Cynbreth, at that time
abbot, converted and baptized the two brothers of
Arvandus, Prince of the Isle of Wight, preparatory to
their execution, by command of Ceadwalla, King of
Essex. The village is situated at the head of the Southampton
water, and the Andover canal terminates at it.
There is a considerable trade in the importation of coal,
and in exporting timber and corn. Ship-building
affords employment to several persons, and there is
a large brewery.