Wimbotsham
towermill

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Drainage Mills (Windpumps)
Steam Mills
Watermills

Wimbotsham towermill stood on the north side of Miller's Lane. The small red brick mill had 3 storeys with an ogee cap. A tailpole from the cap ended with a 2 ft. diameter 4 ins. wide cast iron wheel set to run on a track around the mill. The sails that drove 2 pairs of stones, came down to within reach of a person on the ground.


To Millers
Wanted, a MAN to take charge of a Grist Mill and make himself generally useful. One into years preferred.
Apply at Mr. R. B. Towler's, Wimbotsham, near Downham Market.

Lynn Advertiser - 19th August 1865

O.S. Map 1884
O.S. Map 1884
Courtesy of NLS map images

When the Slubberdike Plantation was planted to the north of the mill, it robbed the mill of much of its wind, eventually rendering it unprofitable as a business. Ironically it was a gale on Sunday 16th March 1913 between midday and 1.00pm that ended the mill's life. The mill was tailwinded and as a result, the cap and sails were blown off.


After the mill was put out of action it was suggested that it should be converted to residential use. However, the prospective tenant's wife indignantly rejected the idea. The tenant was the groom to the local vicar. The mill was subsequently sold to a demolition contractor who dismantled it.soon after.


On 25th October 1980, Lewis R. Turner of Gayton wrote to Harry Apling to provide information from P. J, Boughen a retired builder from Wimbotsham.
It was mentioned that the mill had been out of use for some years (probably by at least 1904) before being put beyond repair by the gale of 1913. The miller was reported as being one Harry Lee and could well have been a relation of George Lee, who was listed as the miller in charge.
The mill machinery was dismantled by a millwright '...who makes a living going round taking down old windmills.' Bricklayers from the estate then demolished the mill tower.


White's 1854: Robert Towler, baker & shopkeeper

Kelly's 1904: George Lee, baker

Kelly's 1908: Harry Lee, baker

Kelly's 1912: Harry Lee, baker

Kelly's 1916: Harry Lee, baker


O.S. map 1824: Mill

Bryant's map 1826: Mill

Greenwood's map 1834: Mill

White's 1845:Robert Rodwell, miller & grocer

White's 1854:Robert Rodwell, corn miller & grocer

1863: Robert Towler, miller, baker & grocer

White's 1864: Robert Towler, miller, baker & shopkeeper

1865: Robert B. Towler, miller, baker & grocer

1875: Robert Towler, miller, baker & grocer

1878: George Lee, miller & baker

Kelly's 1879: George Lee, baker & miller

White's 1883: George Lee, baker, corn miller, farmer, and corn dealer

O.S. map 1884: Windmill (Corn)

O.S. map 1890: Windmill (Corn)

White's 1890: George Lee, baker, miller & farmer

Kelly's 1892: George Lee, baker & miller (wind)

Kelly's 1896: George Lee, baker & miller (wind)

Kelly's 1900: George Lee, baker & miller (wind)

Sunday 16th March 1913: Mill tailwinded in a gale that blew off the cap and sails

1913: Mill sold to a demolition contractor and taken down


If you have any memories, anecdotes or photos please let us know and we may be able to use them to update the site. By all means telephone 07836 675369 or

Nat Grid Ref TF62260538
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Copyright © Jonathan Neville 2010