To Millers
To be Sold by Auction By S. Sudbury At the Chequer Inn at Sporle, sometime in the end of June.
A Capital New Brick TOWER WINDMILL that winds itself and a Dwelling house, the property of Mark Shelton, who will shew the premises.
Sporle, May 18, 1819.
Norfolk Chronicle - 22nd May 1819

To be Sold by Auction
Unless sooner disposed of by Private Contract
By S. Sudbury At the Crown Inn, Swaffham, Norfolk, On Saturday 26 June instant at 4 o'c .
A Capital new erected Brick TOWER WINDMILL that winds itself, with French Stones and Flour Mill complete, together with the Messuage or Dwelling house and garden thereto belonging, situate at Sporle in the county of Norfolk, about two miles from the market town of Swaffham.
The above is freehold and immediate possession may be had.
Apply to Mr. Pillans, Solr. Swaffham.
Norfolk Chronicle - 12th & 19th June 1819

To be Sold by Auction By Samuel Sudbury
At the Greyhound Inn, Swaffham On Saturday 13 November instant at 3 o'c.
All that new built Brick Tower Windmill situate at Sporle, Norfolk, with the dwelling house and sheds, yard and garden, now in the occupation of Mark Shelton, the proprietor.
The premises are Freehold and Possession may be had immediately.
Apply to Mr. Shelton or the Auctioneer.
Norfolk Chronicle - 6th November 1819

To be SOLD With Immediate Possession
A TOWER WINDMILL (working two pair of French Stones) with two Dwelling houses, small Barn and other Buildings and about 2 roods of Land situate at SPORLE near Swaffham, Norfolk.
Apply to Mr. Yarington, Solr. Swaffham.
Norfolk Chronicle - 6th November 1819

Tithe Award 1841
Map 1841
Owner: Robert Hartt
Occupier: Daniel Walker

SPORLE
To Millers
To be Sold by Auction by Daniel Ward at the Chequers Inn, Sporle on Thursday 30 December 1847 at 4 o'c
All that Brick TOWER WINDMILL substantially built with a good Dwelling house, Stable, Cart house and about One Rood of Land adjoining, now in the occupation of Mr. Daniel Walker, situate at Sporle in the county of Norfolk, about 3 miles from Swaffham and within a quarter of a mile of the Railway station.
The mill is fitted up 2 Spring Sails, winding herself and driving 2 pair of Stones. The Premises are all Freehold and immediate possession may be had.
Particulars of Mr. Thomas Grounds Hart, Reepham or of Messrs. COOPER & SONS, or the Auctioneer, East Dereham.
Norfolk Chronicle - 18th & 25th December 1847

SPORLE
To Miller, Baker & others
To be Sold by Auction
By Messrs. Trundle & Son, at the sign of the Greyhound in Swaffham Norfolk on Wednesday 14 Aril 1852 at 4 o'c.
All that DWELLING HOUSE with Baking Office, Granary, Stable - Tower Mill (which is fitted up on the most improved principles) all lately erected with stones, going gears and apparatus of every kind, capable of doing considerable trade, situate in the parish of Sporle with Palgrave, in the County of Norfolk, very near the Railway Station and distant from the market town of Swaffham 3 miles, now in the possession of Mr. Robert Say, the proprietor who will shew you the Premises.
Apply to Messrs. Jarvis & Son, Solrs. Lynn.
Norfolk Chronicle - 3rd & 10th April 1852

SPORLE
Robert Say's Assignment
Robert Say, Miller & Baker
By Indenture dated 29 April assigned Estate & Effects to a Trustee for the benefit of all his creditors.
And the REAL ESTATE in the occupation of the said Robert Say is now OFFERED FOR SALE by Private Contract, which consists of a new erected Tower Mill (fitted up on the most improved principle) situated in Sporle and very near to the Railway Station and in distance from the Market Town of Swaffham 3 miles.
Immediate possession will be given if required.

Sale by Trundle & Son Wednesday 4 August 1852
on the premises of Robert Say, Miller & Baker
Under a Deed of Assignment
Household furniture etc.
Norfolk Chronicle - 31st July 1852

To Let or Sell in West Norfolk
A VILLA RESIDENCE, LAND, DWELLING HOUSE and SHOP, TWO COTTAGES all Freehold, within five minutes walk of a Railway Station and within three miles of a Market Town.
Also a substantially built Brick TOWER WINDMILL with Dwelling house and Premises, now undergoing thorough repair, with possession at Michaelmas 1881.
Apply to I. O. Taylor & Sons, Solrs. Norwich.
Norfolk Chronicle - 13th August 1881

SPORLE near Swaffham
To Let, with possession at Michaelmas next, a substantially built TOWER WINDMILL with Dwelling house, Bake office and premises, all now undergoing thorough repair.
For further particulars apply to Mr. George Trundle, Little Dunham, Swaffham, or to

To Let or Sell in West Norfolk
With Early Possession
A Delightfully situated VILLA RESIDENCE ... 5 acres
In the courtyard is a three-stalled stable, gig house, large hayloft, granary, harness room and abutting on the last premises stand a recently erected dwelling house and shop and two cottages, all freehold situate within 5 minutes walk of a railway station and within 3 miles of a market town. The property is well situated for a retired gentleman, a merchant or dealer.
If let, the cottages can be excluded from the hire if desired.
Also a substantially built brick TOWER WINDMILL with dwelling house and premises now undergoing thorough repair, with possession at Michaelmas 1881.
Apply to I. O. Taylor & Sons,
Solrs. Norwich.
Lynn Advertiser - 8th October 1881

... SPORLE
Messrs. Spelman have received instructions from the Mortgagees to Sell by Auction on Monday July 24, 1882 at 2 for 3 o'c at the George Hotel, Swaffham the following ESTATES in numerous Lots comprising
IN SPORLE
15 Modern and substantially built COTTAGES, situate in the Street, with large gardens therewith, newly built DWELLING HOUSE, BAKE OFFICE, Brick Tower WINDMILL, Stables, and Garden situate near the Elephant & Castle Inn, lately occupied by the deceased Proprietor.
Stabling and Outhouses.
Particulars of Messrs. Spelman, Norwich and Yarmouth; at the Estate Exchange, Tokenhouse Yard, E.C. or of
I. O. Taylor & Sons,
Vendors' Solrs. Norwich.
Norfolk Chronicle - 1st & 8th July 1882

... SPORLE
Messrs. Spelman have received instructions from the Mortgagees to Sell by Auction on Monday July 24, 1882 at 2 for 3 o'c at the George Hotel, Swaffham the following ESTATES
IN SPORLE
Lot 25.
A capital Brick Tower WINDMILL with Gearing and two Pairs of Stones, all in good order, for many years in the occupation of the late Mr. George Trundle, a newly built DWELLING HOUSE, BAKE OFFICE, Stabling and Outhouses.
All the buildings in these Lots are in thorough good order and no outlay is necessary, many of the Houses being newly built.
Particulars at the George Hotel, Swaffham, of Messrs. Spelman, Norwich and Yarmouth and at the Estate Exchange, Tokenhouse Yard, E.C. and of I. O. Taylor & Sons, Vendors' Solrs. Norwich.
Norfolk Chronicle - 15th & 22nd July 1882

Preliminary
SPORLE, BEESTON & GREAT FRANSHAM
R. HEYHOE & SON
Are favoured with instructions to Sell by Auction at the George Hotel, Swaffham early in June next, the highly valuable
FREEHOLD ESTATES
situated in the above parish and comprising
IN THE PARISH OF SPORLE
All those two well placed and substantially built TOWER WIND-MILLS, with convenient dwelling houses, granaries, stabling and other outbuildings attached, miller's cottage with large garden and pasturage adjoining, now in the occupation of Mr. W. H. Kerrison.
All those two substantially built DWELLING HOUSES with outbuildings, large yard, granaries and stabling now in the occupation of Mrs. Kerrison, Mr. Robert Smith, and Mr. W. H. Kerrison. And all that enclosure of excellent ARABLE LAND containing 2a. 1r. (more or less) adjoining Newton road now in the occupation of Mr. W. H. Kerrison.

Important to Millers and others
Valuable Freehold Investments
R. HEYHOE & SON
Are instructed to Sell by Auction at the George Hotel, Swaffham on Wednesday 24 July a895 at 4 pm. the undermentioned
Valuable Property
IN SPORLE:
Lot 1.
Two Dwelling Houses in the occupations of Mrs. Kerrison and Mr. Smith at the annual rental of £19. Also a Granary with stables now in the occupation of Mr. W. H. Kerrison at the estimated rental of £10. Freehold.
Lot 2.
A well built Dwelling House ... Also a brick tower Windmill containing 4 floors, driving 2 pairs of stones. Also stables, cartlodge, piggeries and granary, in the occupation of Mr. W. H. Kerrison at the estimated rental of £30. Freehold.
The Auctioneers beg to draw special attention to the above properties. The mill is well placed and doing a good trade, the machinery is in capital working order, the buildings are in a good state of repair and the whole of the lots offer fine opportunities for investment.
For particulars and conditions of sale apply to the Auctioneers or to
Mr. A. J. Winter,
Vendors' Solicitor, Swaffham.
Lynn Advertiser - 13th & 20th July 1895

Preliminary
To Millers, Merchants & others
SPORLE
2 Miles from Swaffham and 3 from Dunham Stations.
Two Freehold Brick Tower Wind Mills driving six pairs of Stones and Oat Crusher, two Capital RESIDENCES, good Granary and Trade Accommodation Premises, two Enclosures of Arable and Pasture LAND, as occupied by Mr. Bird and his undertenants at Rents amounting to £70 per annum.
Possession will be given at Michaelmas next.
SALTER, SIMPSON & SONS are favoured with instructions to Sell by Auction at the George Hotel, Swaffham On Monday July 11, 1898 At 5 pm. punctually, the above Valuable Freehold PROPERTY in Lots.
The Mill with RESIDENCES, Premises and Granary, known as the "Home Mill", are in excellent repair, a large trade has been carried on for many years and being situate in a good and thickly populated agricultural district, affords an unusual opportunity to those seeking such business or investment.
Further particulars of the Auctioneers, Attleborough and Bury St. Edmunds or of

Two Miles from Swaffham and Three from Dunham Stations.
Freehold Milling and Mercantile PREMISES, with possession at Michaelmas next, as let to Mr. A. B. Bird (and his undertenants) at Rents annually amounting to £70, which
SALTER, SIMPSON & SONS are favoured with instructions to Sell by Auction at the George Hotel, Swaffham On Monday July 11, 1898 At Five pm. punctually, in Three Lots, as follows:-
Lot 1.
A valuable Business PROPERTY known as "Home_Mills", Sporle, comprising an excellent Brick Tower WIND MILL, driving two pairs of stones and oat crusher; capital Brick and Tiled Granary, Stabling, RESIDENCE, Garden Small Orchard and excellent piece of Pasture LAND, together with a Clay and Tiled COTTAGE with Garden, the whole containing and area of about Two Acres, as occupied by Mr. Bird and his under-tenants at the annual Rent of £50.
Lot 2.
A Well built Brick, Stone and Tiled DWELLING HOUSE, large Bake Office with ovens, Outbuildings, Garden and Well of Water, also a Brick Tower WIND MILL driving two pairs of stones, Stables, Cart Lodges, Piggeries and Granary, in the occupation of Mr. Bird (with Lot 3) at the annual Rent of £20.
Lot 3.
An Enclosure of excellent Arable LAND, 2a. 0r. 25p. (more or less) situate abutting upon the Newton Road.
Possession of all lots may be had at Michaelmas next.
Particulars of the Auctioneers, Attleborough and Bury St. Edmunds or of Mr. A. J. Winter, Swaffham, Vendor's Solicitor.
Norfolk Chronicle 25th June & 2nd July & Lynn Advertiser - 24th June 1898

PROPERTY MARKET. SWAFFHAM.
On Monday at the George Hotel, Swaffham, Messrs. SALTER, SIMPSON & SONS offered for sale by public auction valuable mercantile premises and land in the parish of Sporle, comprising two brick tower wind-mills, two capital residences, stables, granaries and numerous outbuildings and accommodation land in three lots. The biddings for the first two lots not realising the reserves, the same were withdrawn and lot 3 comprising an enclosure of arable land (2a. 0r. 25p.) was not offered.
Norfolk Chronicle - 16th July 1898

TO MILLERS. BUILDERS. Merchants & CARPENTERS
For Sale at SPORLE
Tenders are invited for the purchase of a brick Tower Windmill, with 4 floors and driving two pairs of stones.
The purchaser to pull down the same and the contents thereof and clear away all materials by 11th October next.
This mill was in working order about 2 years ago, but owing to the business connected therewith being transferred to the mill advertised to be let above, the mill is not wanted.
For contract and tenders apply to

The 12 foot diameter ogee cap was moved to the Tottenhill_postmill site in the 1970's and used as a store, although it soon started to deteriorate badly.

John Littleproud, son of Robert and Anne Littleproud was born at Cranworth in 1846 where his father was miller at Cranworth smockmill. John's brother Robert was miller at Shipdham Mill Rd postmill, John Littleproud was probably an employee at either this mill or Love_Lane_towermill. Kelly's of 1900, 1904, 1908 & 1912 listed a John Littleproud as beer retailer.

c.1819: Mill built

1819: Mark Shelton, owner

May 1819: Mill advertised for sale by auction

November 1819: Mill advertised for sale by auction

O.S. map 1824: Windmill

Bryant's map 1826: Windmill

October 1828: Mill advertised for sale

Greenwood's map 1834: Windmill

White's 1836: Daniel Walker, corn miller

Tithe Award 1841: Owner: Robert Hartt; Occupier: Daniel Walker

White's 1845: Daniel Walker, corn miller

1847: Daniel Walker, miller

December 1847: Mill advertised for sale by auction with two patent sails

1852: Robert Say, miller & baker

April 1852: Mill advertised for sale by auction

May 1852: Mill offered for sale by private contract

July 1852: Household furniture etc. of Robert Say advertised for sale by auction under Deed of Assignment

1853: John Trundle, miller

White's 1854: George Trundle, corn miller & baker

White's 1864: George Trundle, corn miller & baker

Kelly's 1879: George Trundle, miller, Sporle mill

Census 1881: John Littleproud, miller

August 1881: Mill advertised for sale or let

October 1881: Mill advertised for sale or let

1882: George Trundle died

July 1882: Mill advertised for sale by auction

White's 1883: Samuel Reynolds, miller

White's 1890: Walter Henry Kerrison, miller & corn merchant

Kelly's 1892: Walter Henry Kerrison, miller (wind & steam)

1895: Walter Henry Kerrison, miller

June 1895: Mill advertised for sale by auction along with Love Lane towermill

August 1895: Horse carriages, farm machinery and stock of Walter Kerrison advertised for sale by auction

Kelly's 1896: Walter Henry Kerrison, miller (wind & steam)

1898: A. B. Bird, miller

June 1898: Mill advertised for sale by auction along with Love Lane towermill

Monday 11th July 1898: Mills failed to reach reserve and were withdrawn from the auction

29th July 1898: Mill advertised for action to be pulled down and cleared

August 2024: Bedstone discovered by owner, Amanda-Jayne Lewis

Copyright © Jonathan Neville 2006