Local Mills - Billingford Towermill, alias Pyrleston

May 1957

Billingford Towermill
alias Pyrleston

Billingford tower mill was five storeys high and built of red brick by W. Skinner in 1859-60 at a cost of £1,300 on the site of a postmill that was destroyed in a gale shortly before. White's directory of 1845 and 1864 lists Billingford as alias Pyrleston. The west door had white bricks either sides of the door jambs some 5 feet from the ground that were carved Mr. G. Goddard March 1860

The boat-shaped cap with a petticoat was tarred in the latter years of its working life but was painted white during restoration. An unusual 6 bladed fantail replaced one of a more traditional design in the 1930s. Drive from the fan spindle to the rack on the curb was via a spur pinion.

After restoration the mill had four wide double-shuttered sails each with 8 bays of 3 shutters that were operated by rack and pinion striking gear. The wooden clasp-arm brake wheel has iron section teeth and bears a tablet W. SKINNER 1860.

June 1971

The cast iron upright shaft was 4½ ins in diameter and the 5ft 4½ ins diameter spur wheel was the smallest recorded by Rex Wailes.The stones were on the second floor and overdriven via wooden cogged iron stone nuts. The mill originally drove two pairs of stones, one of which was restored to working order.

A hurst frame supported a pair of composition stones that were sickle dressed and driven via an outside pulley on the second floor by an oil engine that was installed in 1928. The tower had two doors on the ground floor.

George Goddard who had been working the postmill at the time of its destruction, became the first tenant miller in March 1860 after William Chaplyn of Diss Rose Lane mill built the new towermill.

Edward Woodrow took over the mill c.1869 and brought with him his one year old son Charles Edward, who became the owner and miller at Lakenham Peafield towermill. Edward Woodrow moved to Scole towermill in 1875 and then to Horsford towermill in 1883.

April 1993

The last miller was Arthur Daines who used windpower until 1956. By this time the mill was down to two sails and following further wind damage he reverted to auxiliary power before ceasing to work the mill in 1959.

Still a working mill, 1950

Billingford towermill was the last wind powered windmill to commercially work in Norfolk using wind power and after milling ceased it was sold to Mr. Valiant who restored the mill for future preservation that curiously included demolishing the surrounding mill buildings.

March 2007

On completion of the restoration work, with the help of donations from Norfolk County Council, SPAB and the Historic Buildings Council, Mr. Valiant donated it to Norfolk County Council and thus the mill became first to be acquired by the Norfolk Windmills Trust for preservation.

News 2008
'Repairs are planned to one of Norfolk's historic windmills so that it can be returned to full working order.

Billingford Mill, near Diss, was given a new lease of life in 1999 when major restoration was carried out as part of a European project - having fallen into disuse 50 years earlier when it stopped producing flour.

Built in 1860, it had been the last windmill still operating in Norfolk on a commercial basis, and was gifted to the county council in 1965.

Now the windmill has stopped turning again because all four sails have been damaged by rot.

Norfolk Windmills Trust, which looks after the redbrick tower mill, is seeking listed building consent to remove the sails, repair and repaint them with white linseed paint.

The sails will be taken down and sent for repair to a workshop at either Oby or Ludham.

Michael Knights, the county's mills adviser, said: "Rot is a constant problem for all mills and there is a bit more rot at Billingford than we would like, and it is easier to remove the sails and take them away from the site.

"People can still visit," he added, "and we are hoping to get the repairs done in time for the summer, but obviously we are in the hands of the millwright."

Billingford Mill was at the centre of long-running wrangle involving former mill "custodian" Linda Joslin who was "locked out of the building" in 2002, and subsequently given notice to quit her neighbouring cottage.

Mill volunteers now hold a series of open days during the summer months, and also give conducted tours by arrangement.

The application to carry out the repairs has been submitted to South Norfolk Council.'
- Diss Mercury 2 Feb 2008

News from the past . . .

Houses etc.
WINDMILL TO LET at Billingford near Scole.
Brick tower with Patent Sails, driving two Pairs of Stones, Flour Mill etc. A small Bake House attached.
Possession at Michaelmas.
Apply to W. Chaplyn, Diss.
Norfolk News - 5th August 1871


Diss County Court Wednesday
(Before J. Worlledge Esq., Judge)
A Curious Mixture
Henry Pike, miller of Billingford sued George Jukes of Brome for £4.17s. for flour & meal supplied.

Summary:- Defence – some barley meal not fit to eat, a quantity of whiting mixed with the meal. Plaintiff admitted some starch fibre mixed in.

Judgement for plaintiff, but less 30s. because of adulteration. “Plaintiff ought to be ashamed of himself”. Not allowed costs.
Norfolk News - 17th August 1872

For more history about these mills and many others, please visit - www.norfolkmills.co.uk

Local Mills - Burgh St Peter Towermill

Mill and mill house 1949

Burgh St Peter Towermill

Burgh St Peter towermill was a five storey mill built c.1825 in red brick and was probably built to supplement the nearby Wheatacre postmill that was also worked by James Sayer.

In 1839 it was advertised as being nearly new and was equipped with patent sails on an iron windshaft with stones and a flour mill. A steam auxiliary engine had been installed by 1872 and the mill was mainly producing grist rather than flour using 3 pairs of underdriven stones on the 2nd floor.

An additional 2 pairs of 4ft 6ins French burr stones were added in 1906. The mill had 4 double shuttered sails, each with 10 bays of 3 shutters, a boat shaped cap with a gallery and 6 bladed fan with a chain pole.

Watercolour by Karl Wood in 1937

News from the past . . .

Wheatacre Burgh
TOWER & POST WINDMILLS Land & Cottages at WHEATACRE BURGH

To be Sold by Auction at the White Lion Inn, Beccles on Friday 26 April instant at 4 o’c (Unless previously disposed of by Private Contract of which Notice will be given)

Lot 1. All that substantial Freehold Brick TOWER WINDMILL, nearly new, with Patent Sails, Winding Tackle, Iron Shaft, Flour Mills, Stones & Jumpers complete, together with half an Acre of land attached thereto. Early possession may be had of this lot.

Lot 2. All that POST WINDMILL … (Wheatacre)

Lot 3. All those Freehold Tenements or Cottages, Stable, Piggeries & other Buildings together with 2 Acres of Arable Land in the Occupation of Mr. James Sayer & Robert Moore.

Lot One will be Sold with the Trade attached to both Mills, as Mr. Sayer is withdrawing from the business.

Apply to Mr. James Sayer or to Mr. Barnard, Conveyancer, Lowestoft.

Norfolk Chronicle - 13th & 20th April 1839

4th August 1975

To Millers WHEATACRE BURGH Mills. Between Beccles & Lowestoft.

To be Sold by Private Contract. Together or separately.

All those Tower & Post WINDMILLS, Cottages & Two acres & a half of Land in the occupation of Mr. James SAYER, with every convenience for the Trade. This is an established situation – both Mills stand upon remarkably high ground in a fine Corn District & very near the Navigation from Beccles to Lowestoft & possession may be had immediately.
Apply to Mr. BARNARD, Conveyancer, Lowestoft.

Norfolk Chronicle - 18th May 1839

October 1989

Situations Vacant TO MILLERS Wanted immediately, in a Country Mill, a Young Man who has been accustomed to Steam Power & the Grist Trade. None need apply who cannot have a good character from his last employer.

Apply to Mr. G. HAMMOND, Burgh St. Peter near Beccles, Suffolk.

Norfolk News - 20th July 1872

Burgh St. Peter 1 ½ miles from Aldeby Station, 1 ½ miles from the Burgh Staithe & 4 ½ miles from Beccles.
Messrs. SPELMAN have received instructions from Mr. George HAMMOND who is retiring from the business to Sell by Auction on Saturday 13 June 1874 at 2 for 3 o’c at the Rampant Horse Hotel, Norwich the well built Brick Tower WIND FLOUR MILL. In substantial & good working order, has 5 floors, drives 3 pairs of Stones, with Dwelling house, Stables, Gig house, Cart shed & roomy Barn attached

Also 2 Cottages adjoining.

Particulars of Mr. T.M. Baker, Solr. Great Yarmouth or of the Auctioneers, Norwich & Yarmouth.

Norfolk Chronicle & Norfolk News - 9th & 25th May 1874

October 1999

To be Sold by Private Contract
The well built Freehold WIND FLOUR MILL situate in the Parish of Burgh St. Peter, 1¼ Miles from Aldeby Station, 1½ Miles from Burgh Staithe & 4½ Miles from Beccles.

The Mill is in substantial repair & good working order, has five floors, drives three pair of Stones. Slate & Brick Stable, Gig house, Cart shed, Brick & Tiled Barn & Slate Building adjoining the Mill for Portable Engine. The Dwelling house has a garden in front & contains …

The Engine & usual Mill Fixtures will have to be paid for by the purchaser at a valuation in the usual way.

Immediate possession will be given if required.

Also two Freehold Cottages adjoining the Mill.

The Attention of Millers is called to this property. The Mill stands in a good Corn District & commands a fine retail & bag trade. An energetic man taking the premises would undoubtedly ensure a first class business.

Apply to Mr. T.M. Baker, Solr. Great Yarmouth.

Norfolk Chronicle - 4th, 11th & 16th March 1876

For more history about this mill and many others, please visit -
www.norfolkmills.co.uk

Local Mills - Hales Towermill

c.1931

Hales Towermill

Hales towermill was built of red brick in the early 1800s and was 5 storeys high, standing on a mound next to the mill house.The mill had 4 patent double shuttered sails that were struck by rack & pinion, one pair having 8 bays of 3 shutters and one pair having 9 bays of 3 shutters. The boat shaped cap had a petticoat, a gallery and an 8 bladed fan. The tower had 2 ground floor doors.

20th May 1981

By 1981, all that remained was a single storey, partly ivy covered, brick base with no roof, containing fallen beams. A new housing estate was being constructed nearby.

9th May 2005

By 2005, the single storey brick base still stood in the farmyard, which itself remained as an oasis within the new housing estate.

News from the past . . .

HALES
To be Sold by Auction
(Under a power of Sale to the Mortgagee)
By Mr. John Culley on Thursday 29 May 1834 at 4 o'c at the Kings Head, Bungay.
Lot 2.

Consists of an excellent Brick Tower Windmill, Miller's Cottage & Outbuidings & a Dwelling house occupied as a Beer House together with one Acre of Land situate at Hales in the county of Norfolk.

The Mill & Premises & part of the Land are under Lease to -- Fuller & another & the Beer House & remaining part of the Land are in the occupation of -- Crisp as Tenent from year to year.

All Freehold. Outgoings Land Tax 4s. per annum.

Apply to Mr. Steward, Solr. or the Auctioneer, St. Andrews, Norwich.
– Norfolk Chronicle - 24th May 1834

J. M. Goff
Sale 5 October 1863
Horses, Carts & other effects of James Hood, miller, deceased.
– Norfolk Chronicle - 3rd October 1863

Situations Vacant
TO JOURNEYMAN MILLERS
Wanted, a Man to work a Windmill. Must be steady.
Apply to James R. Hood, Hales Mill, Loddon, Norfolk.
– Norfolk News - 11th & 18th October 1873

For more history about this mill and many others, please visit - www.norfolkmills.co.uk

Local Mills - Harleston Jay's Green Towermill

c.1910

Harleston Jay's Green Towermill

Harleston towermill stood on the corner of Candlers Lane, Jay's Green, Harleston.

The five storey mill had 3 pairs of French burr stones that were powered by 4 double shuttered patent sails, each with 8 bays of 3 shutters and 1 bay of 4 shutters.

The boat shaped cap held an 8 bladed fan.

A portable steam engine was supplying auxiliary power to the mill in 1861.

c.1915

1916: Mill taken down, although in good order, by Knights of Harleston but the Mill House remained.

News from the past . . .

HARLESTON - Bale KNIGHTS
Police accomplice in case of corn robberies.
Charge by Suffolk Police not proceeded with.
Norfolk News - 12th January 1861

J. Caley Respectfully announces the undermentioned
SALES by AUCTION
during the next month at HARLESTON
A Neat Dwelling House & Garden. Capital Brick Tower Windmill with 3 pairs of stones and a Cottage in four tenements, the property of the late Mr. William Barber.
Messrs. Carthew & Fox Solrs.
Norfolk Chronicle & Norfolk News - 18th May 1861

The Bankruptcy Act 1861
Notice of Sittings for Last Examination
BALE KNIGHTS late of Harleston in the County of Norfolk, Miller & now a prisoner of debt in the Gaol of the City of Norwich having been adjudged Bankrupt under a Petition for Adjudication of Bankruptcy filed in the Court of Bankruptcy for the London District on the 18th day of March...
A public sitting for the said Bankrupt to pass his last examination.
Norfolk News - 19th April 1862

To be let
A Capital BRICK TOWER WINDMILL driving three pairs of French stones with all the requisite machinery & well situated for trade, near the terminus of the Waveney Valley Railway at Harleston.
Possession at Michaelmas next.
Apply to Mr. Muskett, Harleston.
Norfolk Chronicle - 6th September 1866

For more history about this mill and many others, please visit - www.norfolkmills.co.uk

Local Mills - Broome Tower Mill

14th May 1977

Broome Tower Mill

Broome towermill was built c.1824, close to the Yarmouth Road.

The 20 foot diameter red brick tower was tarred to provide better protection form the elements.

The mill had 2 pairs of patent sails and a fantail that powered two pairs of French burr stones, one being pair 4' 6" diameter and the other pair 4 feet diameter.

Other Broome Tower Mill news from the past . . .

Brick Built TOWER WINDMILL in BROOME, Norfolk
To be Sold by Auction. By John Reynolds. At the King's Head Inn, Bungay.
On Thursday 29 July instant at 6 o'c.

All that newly erected brick built Tower Windmill, with Patent Sails and Winding Tackle complete, driving two pairs of Stones, one pair 4ft. diameter & the other 4ft. 6ins. diameter, with a full sized Flour Mill complete, together with a double cottage & well with good water, a new built bricked stable & cart shed & one acre & 25 perches of Land.

The above Pemises are all Freehold & are situate at Broome, Norfolk within one mile of Bungay & adjoin the Turnpike Road to Yarmouth. Immediate Possession may be had.

Apply to Mr. Benjamin Goff or Messrs. Kinsbury & Margitson, all of Bungay..
Norfolk Chronicle - 24th July 1824

To be Sold by Auction at the King's Head Inn, Bungay, on 29 July.
All that newly erected brick built Tower Windmill, with Patent Sails and winding tackle, driving two pairs of stones 4ft. and 4ft. 6ins., with flour mill, together with double cottage and land. The premises are freehold and are situate in Broome, Norfolk, within one mile of Bungay, adjoining the turnpike road to Yarmouth.

Apply to Mr. Benjamin Goff.
Ipswich Journal - 24th July 1824

Small Freehold Tower Mill at BROOME near Bungay.
By Geo. Baker. At the Kings Head Inn, Bungay on Thursday October 13, 1831 at 4 o'c. (with Immediate Possession)

A Capital TOWER WINDMILL with patent sails (winds herself) situate at Broome, near Bungay, with tow pairs of stones, flour mill & sack tackling complete, together with a stone built & tiled Dwelling house, stable & cart shed & about an acre of Arable Land attached.

Apply to Mr. Calver upon the premises or the Auctioneer, Bungay.
Norfolk Chronicle - 1st October 1831

To be Sold by Auction at the Queen's Head Inn, Bungay, on 14 October. All that substantial Brick Tower Windmill, with patent sails, two pairs of French stones and flour mill complete, together with a granary and cottasge, situate at Broome by the side of the high road leading from Bungay to Yarmouth, and now in the possession of Mr. George Gosling. Immediate possession may be had. The properety is leasehold at a peppervcorn rent for a term of 1000 years commencing from 26th June 1809. Further particulars from Mr. Everson, Millwright, Bungay.
Ipswich Journal - 25th September 1841

BROOME Brick Tower Windmill
To be Sold by Auction. by George Baker on Thursday October 14, 1841 at the Queens Head Inn, Bungay at 6 o'c

All that substantial BRICK TOWER WINDMILL with Patent Sails, two pairs of French Stones & Flour Mill complete, well situate for wind at any point, has a Stable, Cart Lodge & Granary attached & also a convenient brick & tiled Cottage with about 1a. of Arable & Pasture Land, situate within half a mile of the Navigation & by the side of the high road leading from Bungay to Yarmouth, as now in the occupation of Mr. George Gosling.

Immediate possession may be had.

This Property is Leasehold at a peppercorn rent for a term of 1000 years commencing from 26th June 1809 & is subject to no outgoing.

Apply to Mr. Everson, Millwright, Bungay, or the Auctioneer, Bungay.
Norfolk Chronicle - 25th September, 2nd & 9th October 1841

BROOME BRICK TOWER WINDMILL
To be Sold by Auction by Mr. BAKER on Friday March 25, 1849 at the Fleece Inn, Bungay at 6 o’c

All that substantial Brick TOWER WINDMILL with Patent Sails, two pairs of French Stones, & Flour Mill complete, standing well for the wind at any point, has a brick & tiled Stable, Cart Lodge, Granary & other buildings attached. And also a convenient brick & tiled Cottage & about an acre of Arable & Pasture Land including the site of the Mill, situate within half a mile of the navigation & by the side of the high road leading from Bungay to Yarmouth as in the occupation of Mr. Samuel MAYERS.

Immediate possession may be had.

The Property is Leasehold (at a peppercorn rent) for a term of 1000 years & subject to no outgoing.

Particulars of Mr. ELSEGOOD, Solr. or the Auctioneer, Bungay.
Norfolk Chronicle & Norwich Gazette - 17th March 1849

BROOME near Bungay
To be sold by Auction by Samuel ALDRED at the Three Tuns Hotel, Bungay on Thursday 16 June 1859 at 5 for 6 o’c

A Substantial brick built TOWER WINDMILL, 2 Stables, Cartlodge & Granary & about 1a.22p. of Garden & Arable Land & Cottage in BROOME the whole in the occupation of Mr. G.G. WARD who is declining the business.

The property is held under an unexpired mortgage term of 1000 years commencing 25 June 1809.

Premises abut upon the Yarmouth Turnpike & are within a mile of … Bungay.

Apply to E.R. PALMER, Solr. or the Auctioneer, Regent Street, Yarmouth.
Norfolk Chronicle - 4th & 11th June 1859

For more history about this mill and many others, please visit - www.norfolkmills.co.uk

Local Mills - Topcroft Post Mill

1910

Topcroft Post Mill

Topcroft post mill is first recorded on the 1838 O.S. map and the earliest known miller was John Rounce from 1846-1856. Edward and Frederick Eldred were listed as corn millers in White's of 1854.

William Lant Duffield owned the mill fom 1909-1916, he also owned Saxlingham Thorpe black towermill and the watermills at Flordon, Saxlingham Thorpe and Tasburgh.

Topcroft mill had ceased to work by 1922 and the sails and fantail were removed in 1924.

Various parts went to other mills including the windshaft, which went to East_Harling_towermill in 1975.

c.1935

29th August 1972

The post, trestle and walls of the roundhouse were still intact in 1972, although becoming very overgrown.

15th July 2005

Other Topcroft Post Mill news from the past . . .

1859: Thomas Parker, miller

November 1859: Thomas Parker bought lease of Hempnall Mill Road towermill for £230

1972: Mill post, trestle and walls of roundhouse still intact

For more history about this mill and many others, please visit - www.norfolkmills.co.uk

Norfolk Watermill - YouTube

Great Bircham Windmill, Summer Events

Bircham Windmill Summer Events

There is an action packed agenda at Bircham Windmill this summer. Starting with a new event for all Teddy Bear lovers, on July 27th there will be a Teddy Bears Hospital at Bircham Mill along with Best Dressed Teddy, Bear Treasure Hunt, Teddy bear face painting, story telling and lots more.

On Friday August the 1st we are very excited to see the return of ‘Pals Productions’ who performed at Bircham Windmill last year and are performing ‘Henry VIII’ for us this year in the grounds of Bircham Windmill. The performance is for all the family and will last approx 1 hour after which there will be a short interval followed by drama games with the actors.

During the weekend 2nd to 3rd August Nanny Val with be selling her Jams and Plants and on August 5th we are having an Edwardian Hiring Fair.

The Hiring Fair is a special event which has proved incredibly popular in the past. Run by Sally North and her band of helpers, children get the chance to see what it would be like to get a job in Edwardian times. Jobs for girls and boys, with certificates of competence to take home and all FREE.

Two regular eventers are returning in August. Celia Reed with her wool stall and spinning wheel will be here from August 7th to 19th and Phil and Linda Young with their Pole Lathe wood turning and Loom Weaving from 14th to 25th, we will certainly be in a spin for those weekends!

Our Traditional Sports Day will be on August 25th this year, so children and adults alike need to get in training for this highly competitive (that’s the adults) and sporting (that’s the children!) event. Rosettes for all. Also Basket Weaving demo and stall, Story Telling and Funky Crafts Stall.

The last event of the holidays is a quilted cushions demonstration and stall. I think we will all need a cushion to rest our heads on after all that!

I do hope you can join us for some fun at Bircham Windmill this summer. Don’t forget that everyday we have the windmill museum to climb, childrens treasure hunt and baking corner, cycle hire, art gallery with a new exhibition each calendar month, gift shops, animals to cuddle – including falabella foal due any day and baby guinea pig and of course the tearooms for your refreshments.

Come and enjoy a relaxing day out at Bircham Windmill where there is something for everyone.

Events
Friday 1st August, MURDER MYSTERY, Outdoor Theatre. Tickets only
Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd August, Jams, Pickles and Plants stall.
Thursday 7th to Tuesday 19th August, The Spinning Lady, Wool Spinning demonstration and stall.
Monday 25th August, TRADITIONAL SPORTS DAY. Also Story telling, Funky Crafts stall and Basket Weaving demonstration and stall. Entry fees apply
Sunday 31st August Quilted Cushions demonstration and stall.
Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th September, Jams, Pickles and Plants stall.
Sunday 14th September, Lavender Lace Makers demonstration and stall.

For more information on any of the above events, or about Bircham Windmill in general please contact
Elly Chalmers on 01485 578393
or look at our website www.birchamwindmill.co.uk
or email info@birchamwindmill.co.uk

Local Mills - Alburgh Post Mill

c.1890

Alburgh Post Mill

Alburgh post mill had a single storey roundhouse and a tailpole. The mill was powered by two common sails and two double shuttered patent sails, each with 7 bays of 3 shutters and 1 bay of 2 shutters.

The mill was almost certainly Hardwick west postmill that had been brought the 4 miles to Alburgh on a trolley by its builder, millwright Stephen Cox c.1826, which would mean that it was probably erected to replace an earlier mill.

Stephen Cox the millwright was born c.1815 at Mendham and in 1841, 1851 and 1871 worked as a miller. He was living at Hardwick c.1864 and in 1869 and 1871 was living at Aldburgh and was also a farmer. No other reference found to him working as a millwright. His son, Stephen Cox the miller was born at Woodham Mortimer, Essex in 1850.

Other Alburgh Post Mill news from the past . . .

Wanted a single man as Miller.
Apply R. C. Harvey, Alburgh, Harleston, Norfolk.
Ipswich Journal - 9th March 1816

Tithe Award 1843
Map, Newton & Woodrow, Norwich, 1840
Owner Charlotte SUTTON
Occupier John BARBER
No 77 Windmill Pasture 34p 9d
No 78/82 House etc 7a. 0r. 32p £2 1s 3d

Commission of bankruptcy against
Robert Crytoft HARVEY of Alburgh, Edward HILL of Wortwell
Millers, Flour Merchants, Dealers & Chapman, co-partners in Trade to surrender 26 January instant.
Norfolk Chronicle - 7th January 1826
Commission of Bankrupt dated 24 Dec. 1825 against Robert Crytoft Harvey, of Alburgh, Co. of Norfolk, and Edward Hill, of Wortwell, said Co., Millers and Flour Merchants. Accounts to be audited.
London Gazette - 21st March 1828

MR. DEBENHAM
Is instructed to Sell by Auction at the Kings Head Inn, Bungay on Monday March 28, at 3 for 4 o’c in four lots the following VALUABLE FREEHOLD ESTATE Lot 3. A Desirable Property known as “ALBURGH MILL”, Alburgh, Norfolk with Dwelling house, Building & nearly 8 Acres of productive Land, let to Mr. COX on lease for four years unexpired at £50 per annum.
Particulars & Plans may be obtained at the place of Sale, of Wm. HARTUP, Esq. Solicitor, Bungay & of Mr. DEBENHAM, Auctioneer, Land surveyor & Estate Agent, 80 Cheapside, London, who will forward them by post on application.
Norfolk News - 12th March 1859

ALBURGH, Norfolk
MADDISON & MILES are instructed by the Executors of Mr. S. COX, deceased to Sell by Auction at the Swan Hotel, Harleston on Monday 13 June 1887 at 6 for 7 o’c in the evening, in Two Lots
A Desirable OCCUPATION containing 7a. 2r. 2p. of Arable & Pasture LAND with Brick & Tile RESIDENCE, PREMISES & Freehold Post WINDMILL in good working order, late in the deceased’s occupation; also a Freehold DWELLING HOUSE near Lot 1 with spacious Blacksmith’s & Wheelwright’s shop. All Land Tax Redeemed.
Messrs. HAZARD & PRATT, Harleston, Vendors’ Solicitors.
Auctioneers’ Offices Cantley, Yarmouth & Harleston.
Norfolk Chronicle - 4th June 1887

Mr. Herbert George Cox, of the Wellington Inn, at Chediston Green, near Halesworth, Suffolk, where he has been a licensee for thirty-five years and is now retiring, is the third generation of a south Norfolk milling family. He is 71 years of age.
“My grandfather, Stephen Cox", says Mr. Cox, “was a mill-wright. My father Stephen was a miller.
My grandfather built the post mill at Hardwick, Norfolk, and moved it on a trolley to Alburgh. Then he erected a brick round house for it. Its sails were so light that there were days when they would be turned, but those of other mills for miles round were stationary. They were made of sail cloth. This was the biggest post mill in Norfolk”.
Milling - 15th March 1958

For more history about this mill and many others, please visit - www.norfolkmills.co.uk

Local Mills - Mendam Watermill on the Waveney

Mendham Mill and house c.1910

Mendam Watermill

Mendham Mill was built in 1820 of weatherboard with a pantiled roof. The adjoining mill house did not appear to line up with the mill's window configuration, which was quite unusual. The wheel was believed to have been the largest of all the mills in the Waveney valley.

Mendham Mill c.1914

The mill ceased production in 1938 and was eventually turned into a showpiece residence and by 2000 the building had been Grade ll listed.

A new iron waterwheel was installed in 1861 having been cast at Harleston Foundry, the original one having at one time driven 9 pairs of stones.

At one point a 25hp compound Holmes & Sons steam engine was used.

A 3 sack/hour roller plant was installed in 1905.

Flour was taken by cart to Bungay where it was loaded onto wherries bound for Yarmouth.

Rear view of Mendham Mill c.1956

Joseph Stammers was the miller in 1861, he was also a farmer owning 260 acres and employing 10 men. His daughter Rosa married Thomas Pratt, a well known Harleston Solicitor and they lived at The Beeches in London Road. In 1881 Rosa's mother, Harriett, then a widow lived with her son in law and daughter.

The artist Alfred Munnings, son of the miller was born in the Mill House in 1878 and was brought up in the village.

Other Mendam Mill news from the past . . .

Race far away from the daily grind
Equestrian and war artist Sir Alfred Munnings was born at Mendham Watermill, Norfolk, in 1878 and drew inspiration from the setting for many of his early paintings. The present building, surrounded by the water meadows of the Waveney valley, dates from 1807, although a mill is recorded on this site in the Domesday Book.

The mill is split into four parts. The casually elegant main home is over the top two floors in the centre of the building, with fabulous views. The first floor includes a sitting room, large drawing room and dining room, all with panelled walls and elm flooring. Upstairs there are four bedrooms and two bathrooms, one en suite.

Munnings' family lived in the Miller's House on the eastern end of the mill, which is now run as one of four possible holiday lets attached to the property. This has four bedrooms, a sitting room and two shower rooms.

The Mill Race Cottage, with two bedrooms, is at the other end of the building, and the one-bedroom Miller's Nest is on the ground floor of the main mill. A holiday let - the detached Miller's Lodge - has french doors opening from the sitting room on to a terrace and walled garden.

Anyone who fancies embellishing the Munnings theme by reintroducing horses could fence off some of the seven acres that come with the property to form paddocks.

In 1938 the mill sold for £1,600. Agents Jackson-Stops & Staff (01473 218218) is now asking for £1.2 million.
Jill Insley - The Observer - Sunday 26th October 2003

Mendham Mill 1972

Information from Derek Southon
Charlotte, my wife, remembered her step-father telling her that Grace Philcox, from whom he bought the mill, had run off with her chauffeur. Apparently he paid £14,000 for it and, given the amount of money that she spent refurbishing it, was a bargain. Charlotte thinks that he sold it for £18,000, four years later.

My wife’s mother was Jane Carr, star of stage, screen and radio. Robert Stent, who she married in 1955, was MD of Trust House Hotels. Shortly before the wedding Jane was diagnosed with a terminal illness and Robert bought the mill as a weekend and holiday home. My wife loved spending time there and she and her best friend, Nina Campbell, now the celebrity interior designer, painted the punt red and white. I noticed in Sir Alfred Munnings’ book, that he writes about the one that he and his brother used.

Jane Carr at Mendham Mill c.1955

Many of Jane’s show-biz friends spent time there, although we can only find one picture of Michael Denison and Dulci Grey. Jane had sponsored their application to study at the Central School of Language and Drama, and they in turn, ten years later did the same for Charlotte.

As I also mentioned, Jane died in London in 1957, but had insisted on being buried at Mendham. For some reason, best known to himself, Robert Stent had the grave identified by a marker, rather than a gravestone. Maybe, as Charlotte thinks, that was why he was so wealthy.

Robert Stent & Jane Carr c.1955

Apparently there was a large eel, affectionately called Ernie, that lived below the wheel and was fed on soft shelled eggs, through a trap door. Charlotte was also able to carry on the Munnings’ tradition by having her own horse. It was named Marcus and had been retired from service with the army, in London. We still have one of his hooves, mounted in silver and used as a doorstep.
Derek Southon - 6th March 2007

Mendham Mill April 2007

For more history about this mill and many others, please visit - www.norfolkmills.co.uk

Local Mills - Diss Smockmill

c.1910

Diss Smockmill

Diss smockmill stood on the corner of Stuston Road and Victoria Road, having been erected on the site of an older postmill that was often known as Chase's Mill and had been destroyed during a gale in 1839.

The 5 storey mill had an 8 sided tower with a boat shaped cap that had a pettticoat, gallery and a 6 bladed fan. The 4 double shuttered sails each had 8 bays of 3 shutters, drove 2 pairs of French burr stones and were struck by rack and pinion. The upright shaft was made of cast iron.

A separate building stood adjacent that housed the steam roller mills.

c.1911

Rose Lane composite mill & Stuston Road smockmill during the flood in August 1912

c.1915

3 mills on Stuston Common c.1915

The above photograph shows the army from Diss Camp 51 about to give a demonstration with Maxim machine guns on Stuston Common with several civilians looking on.

Diss smockmill and steam roller mill is to the right, the steam chimney and Rose Lane composite mill to the left of centre and the sails of Victoria Road towermill are just visible on the left horizon above the back of the horse.

A quote from the past . . .

NARROW ESCAPE
Last week a young man of the name of Dykes, in the employ of Mr. Rush, miller of Diss, was caught by the gripe taking his handkerchief about his neck, and carrying him up; it must have proved fatal, but some person below, hearing his cries, suddenly stopped the mill, which would otherwise have, by coming in contact with the upper beam, severed his head from his body. - Norwich Mercury. The Times - 9th November 1840.

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Local Mills - Bungay Watermill

September 1968

Bungay Watermill

The last working version of Bungay Watermill was built in 1902 and constructed of weatherboard and brick with a corrugated iron roof. When the mill was sold in 1784 it was powering 3 sets of French burr stones but by 1788 it only had 2 sets. There were almost certainly two adjacent mills and in 1784 one was operating as a papermill. The cornmill was often known as Bardolph mill as it was originally part of the manor of Bardolph Ilketshall.

During the Days of the Navigation, wherries would moor at the staithe and were loaded using an extended hoist.

During the American War of Independance 1775-1783 Bungay, Ellingham and Wainford mills produced flour for export to America.

In April 1779 a dispute arose between Henry Gooch, Thomas Cotton and a group of local farmers who enlarged and deepened the watercourse of Chain Bridge Beck that was some 300 yards above the mill thus starving the mill of water. The dispute continued until at least 1781 and by 1784 Gooch and Cotton were bankrupt. It is possible that they were unable to fulfil their government contract to supply flour to America and if this was indeed the case they were probably faced with a considerable claim for damages.

Henry Gooch was married to Mary Killett of Gorleston. In 1772 he was mayor of Gt Yarmouth and deputy mayor in 1774. After his bankrupcy he moved to London.

October 1969

Charles Marston who owned the mill in the early 1900s was born in the Mill house in 1882. He apparently grew up learning every branch of his business as if it was his hobby. He also owned a 3 sack/hour plant at Harleston as well as Earsham Mill. At one point a roller mill was installed but this only ran for a short time.

Charles Marston was very particular and ensured that the corrugated iron roof was painted in red ocre every five years and the whole area around the mill was kept weed free.

Unfortunately, due to a gangrene infection Charles Marston was forced to have a leg amputated. The operation was carried out on the kitchen table and his leg was then buried under an apple tree in the mill house garden next to the mill.

Billy Patrick was the carter to Charles Marston and was known as 'Midnight' Patrick on account of his frequent late return home due to his habit of calling in at numerous pubs whilst on his rounds. On one occasion, whist passing under an oak tree, he heard the voice of God telling him to give up drink. This he promptly did and subsequently became a staunch member of Bungay Salvation Army.

Sadly, the pair of horses he drove perished in the fire of 25th February 1902.

April 2004

At one point after the mill had been rebuilt, the wheel was replaced by a turbine installed by Gilbert, Gilks & Gordan of Kendal. However, the changeover only took place on the understanding that if the turbine did not perform as well as the wheel, the wheel would be reinstalled. This is precisely what happened.

Charles Marston's self raising flour bag

Charles Marston's self raising flour plant was some 100 yards away from the mill occupying premises that later became the Staithe Garage. Harry Hall worked there and sold flour to customers in Kings Lynn, Norwich and Ipswich, normally in 10 stone bags. Harry Hall was brother in law to Charles Candace Marston who had married Harry's sister Kate (1883-1972).

News from the past . . .

In 1779 the Mills were destroyed by fire and all the stock therein being of the value together of £3,000 and upwards.

The Water Lane in which the wheel is placed remaining exactly the same breadth and length as before the Mills were destroyed and the depth or lower floor thereof was sunk lower by about 6 inches in order the better to admit of a higher Water Wheel than before, which was recommended by the Engineer (Mr. Nickalls) on account that it in consequence of the increased height would work with less water.

Wanted to purchase, in good preservation. a 5 or 6 horse power steam engine, with 7 or 8 h.p. boiler; what maker and when last at work. Charles Marston, Water Mill, Bungay, Suffolk.
The Miller - 1st September 1884

Wanted an undershot Water Wheel 12ft. to 15ft. high, 10ft. to 16ft. wide, with first motion wheels. Secondhand or new. Apply to Charles Marston, Water Mill, Bungay, Suffolk.
The Miller - 1st December 1890

For more history about this mill and many others, please visit - www.norfolkmills.co.uk

Local Mills - Scole Towermill

c. 1880

Scole Towermill

Scole Towermill was built of tarred red brick in 1799.

The tower had two doors on opposite sides showing that the mill was built with common sails.

1st June 1971

Edward Woodrow, who had moved from Billingford towermill, took over the mill in 1875 before leaving to take over at Horsford towermill in 1883.

His son, Charles Edward Woodrow, became the owner and miller at Lakenham Peafield towermill.

For more history about these mills and many others, please visit - www.norfolkmills.co.uk

Local Mills - Ellingham Watermill

c. 1900

Ellingham Watermill

Ellingham watermill was built of white weatherboard over a brick base with a pantiled roof. As can be seen from the photographs below, it changed dramatically over the years as it was enlarged and developed. Along with Earsham, it was one of the only two Norfolk watermills on the Waveney.

c. 1910

The mill was built on an artificial semicircular cut made to the north of the River Waveney. This allowed the mill to retain its head of water while the nearby lock on the main river controlled the levels for the Bungay Navigation.

c. 1910

At one time the mill had 3 locums, as can be seen on the photographs below. The Waveney was fully navigable for many years using a series of locks, one of which was next to Ellingham mill, thus grain and flour were both transported to and from the mill via wherry as well as road.

c. 1935

The last waterwheel to be fitted was 17h.p. and made of iron. John Munnings (1916-1987), grandson of the artist Alfred Munnings and great grandson John Munnings, miller of Mendham Mill related that the wheel was supplemented by a 8-10h.p. German turbine c.1895 and the wheel was then eventually removed and replaced by a much larger Armfield 90h.p. turbine. (This possibly happened around 1908 after the Walker brothers had taken over).

c. 1954

John Munnings also mentioned that apparently the Armfield turbine proved to be too large for the river and could only be used to full capacity when the river had a good head of water and the tail water in the millpool was low. However, he was complimentary of the mill stating that it was Once one of the most up-to-date mills on the River until flour milling ceased (in 1949) and that it was one of the few country mills using plansifters instead of centrifugals - i.e. flour sieves as opposed to flour dressers.

2004

News from the past . . .

The first known reference to the mill was c.1200 in an agreement between Alexander de Kerkeby and William de Hales that Alexander should pledge to William his part of the mill along with easements in water and fishing rights in return for 80 marks of silver.

On 7th September 1672, an indenture assessing the Lockage on the Bungay Navigation cites the mill in an order from the Commissioners where it appears there is a difference between the Exors. And the Heirs-in-law of Mr. Hammond late of Ellingham in the Co. of Norfolk as to which of them the estate in a Water Mill in Ellingham aforesaid should belong. Dat 1676.

On 1st January 1772, Lincoln Matchett, the miller took out insurance on the mill:
Water Corn Mills under one Roof with the going geers belonging situate as aforesaid, brick timber and tiled not exceeding £1200. Utensils and stock therein £300.

During the American War of Independence 1775-1783 Bungay, Ellingham and Wainford mills produced flour for export to America.

MYSTERIOUS TRAGEDY AT METTINGHAM
HUSBAND AND WIFE FOUND DROWNED
On Saturday morning at ten o'clock one of the millers employed at Ellingham watermlll made a horrible discovery. Observing something in a dyke leading into the river Waveney in the two mile he made investigations and found the bodies of a man and woman in the water. Both were quite dead, and he obtained assistance and conveyed the bodies to Mettingham Tally Ho. Inquiries revealed the identities of the deceased as Mr and Mrs Harlev of Beccles, the man having been lately employed at the Tan Yard. It is said that he had a short time since attempted to commit suicide. During the last few days he and his wife had been staying with his daughter at Shipmeadow. The deceased were ending their visit on Saturday, intending to take the train at Ellingham Station, and it is conjectured that on the way Harley jumped into the dyke. It is thought that his wife went to the rescue and that a struggle ensued ending fatally for both. A cut or bruise is visible on the womans temple. The whole affair must have happened very quickly as some persons went past the spot only a short time previously, and nothing was seen of the deceased who left their daughters home at just before nine.

On Saturday evening Mr Coroner Chaston opened the inquest upon the bodies at Mettingham Tally Ho, Mr E. Brock being foreman of the jury. The first witness called was Mrs Mary Mayes, a labourers wife, residing in Shipmeadow, who identified the bodies as those of Samuel Harley aged 49 late a workman at the Tannery in Beccles, and Jane Harley, his wife aged 48. Harley had been staying with his daughter Mrs Robert Mayes, of Shipmeadow since Monday. Mr. A. Sheldon, locum tenens, to Dr. Betenson of Bungay was the next witness. He said that he had made an examination of the bodies and attributed the death of both to suffocation by drowning. The womans left eye was swollen and black and there was an abrasion on the left eyebrow, probably caused before death. Owing to short notice all the witnesses were not present and the Coroner adjourned the court until Saturday next. An order for burial was given.
Eastern Daily Press - Monday 4th September 1899

For more history about this mill and many others, please visit - www.norfolkmills.co.uk