Rode Bridge

Rode Bridge is a road bridge, likely built around 1777 for the Black Dog Turnpike Trust. It is constructed of dressed rubble, possibly Doulting stone, with ashlar coping, although some sections have been replaced with concrete.

The bridge spans the River Frome and is oriented from north-west to south-east. It features a causeway at either end, four semi-circular flood arches, and two main semi-circular arches. The main arches have double voussoirs, with the upper one projecting forward and impost bands. On the upstream (south-west) side, which has some roughcast render, there is a full-height, triangular cutwater that supports a corbelled-out refuge. The parapet walls show signs of rebuilding and have ashlar coping stones, though some have been replaced with cast concrete. The south-east end of the downstream parapet is splayed. Inside the refuge, there is an upright parish boundary stone inscribed with "NORTH BRADLEY/ROAD" (the pre-1919 spelling of Rode; the right corner is missing). Additionally, a small county boundary stone is set into the floor of the bridge.