Redbridge | |
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Redbridge shown within Southampton | |
Population | 14,432 |
Unitary authority | |
Ceremonial county | |
Region | |
Country | England |
Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
Post town | SOUTHAMPTON |
Postcode district | SO16 |
Dialling code | 023 |
Police | Hampshire |
Fire | Hampshire |
Ambulance | South Central |
EU Parliament | South East England |
UK Parliament | |
Redbridge is a ward with a population of 14,432, 3.1 miles (5.0 km) to the west of the city centre of Southampton, England. The settlement is positioned at the mouth of the River Test and is the southern terminus of the former Andover Canal and Sprat and Winkle railway line, and the modern M271 motorway.
Because of its strategic position, the settlement became a substantial trading post and shipbuilding centre, with many merchant and Royal Navy vessels being constructed in Redbridge in the 18th and 19th centuries
Today, the area is mainly residential and industrial, with a large council estate and a tower block situated within the ward and Southampton Docks close by. The A35 road crosses the River Test at Redbridge, as does the South Western Main Line railway. It has a small railway station.
Redbridge has been known by several names, all derived from its position as a crossing point over the River Test - originally as a ford and later with the bridge that gives the area its current name. Other than the type of crossing, the meaning of the name has not changed significantly, with the first syllable meaning "reed". Previous names and spellings include:
Much of Redbridge's history is linked to its position at the tidal part of the River Test and, later, as the terminus of the Andover Canal. The first bridge was constructed in Medieval times Just north of the ford located 1/2 mile up river from the Pack and Pass 5 Arch Bridge, The five arches was constructed in early 1700's and was paid for by the merchants of Redbridge.