Rice Bridge
Early-attested site in the Parish of Bolney
Etymology
Rice Bridge has not been noted in any early document, but is probably identical with the name of the Suffolk Hundred of Risbridge. The stream here is very small. Was there once a causeway made of brushwood (v. hris ) whereby one could make one's way across the stream? Unfortunately the site of the Suffolk Risbridge is unknown. Risbridge in Goudhurst (K), t. Ed 1 BMRisbregge , is on a small stream but Ricebridge in Reigate (Sr), 1332 SR (p)Rysbrug ', is over the Mole. Risebridge and Rice Bridge (Ess) are further examples, and we may note also Rysebregge (1377 AD vi) in Yalding (K), Risebriggker (14th cent.) in Selby (Y) and Risenbrige (1200–33) in Parbold (La).The last probably shows the corresponding adj. hrīsen , 'made of brushwood.' Cf. also Risenbridge PN Wo 22.