Hingham watermill was unique.

Firstly, it was the only Norfolk Mill built from the old traditional clay lump blockwork.

Secondly, it was remarkable in that it was never fed by a stream or river and did not even have a tail race. The mill was built adjacent to a spring fed marsh area so the millpond was fed directly from the underground spring system, with the tail race feeding into a tunnel that in turn in drained into a quarter mile pipe that ran to the north east and then into Seamere.

The first record of a mill on the site was in 1316. The present building has been dated to between 1841 and 1848 by the type of clay lump blocks used. It is one of only a few three storey buildings in existence constructed from clay lump.

Scratched on a pane in the living room door of the Mill House is the inscription:

Hingham water mill was powered by an overshot wheel approximately 17 feet in diameter and nearly 4 feet wide, using a 16 foot fall of water. This was enough to drive the 2 pairs of French burr stones with which it was advertised in 1870, although a NIAS survey in 1982 recorded the positions of 4 pairs of stones. The wheel itself was actually underground, the top of it being at ground floor level. Servicing access to the wheel was achieved by means of a small trapdoor and a vertical iron ladder. The mill was described as newly built in a sale advertisement of 1845, however this was doubtless a reference to a rebuild of both structure and machinery.

Overshot wheels are comparatively rare in Norfolk due to the mainly gentle terrain. The only other mills to use this system that I have found so far were at Brandiston, Buxton (one of the two wheels) Congham, Foulden, Mundesley, Tharston and Weybourne.

In later years the wheel was replaced by a turbine powered by the water falling down a 10 inch pipe.

The mill ceased to work at about the time of the second world war.

Hingham
John Le Marshall ... in 1316 by an inquisition taken here it was found that ... Dionise and Hawise were his sisters and heirs, but Dionise being dead, Hawise was his sole heir, who was married to Rob. de Morley: this John died in 1316 and Ela his wife, who afterwards married to Rob. Fitz Pain, had this manor assigned to her in dowery when the fishery was worth 13s. 4d. per annum, there were a windmill and watermill and alder car at Northwood and the rents were £54. 15s. per annum.
Blomefield's History of Norfolk - Hundred of Forehoe

The watermill was worked in conjunction with a postmill that had been in the Lane family since at least 1771 and c.1840 John Lane decided to sell it and erect a new towermill at the same location near the south west corner of the pond.

The postmill was bought by millwright, Robert Gilbert, who quite possibly was responsible for building the new towermill for the Lane family. He took the postmill to Banham and erected it on the base of an old towermill, where it became known as Banham composite mill.

Tithe Award 1842
Map 1841
Owner: John Lane
Occupier: do

To Millers & others

To be Sold by Auction by Mr. S. LOCK at the White Hart Inn at Hingham on Tuesday 29 July 1845 at 5 o'c (unless sooner disposed of by; Private Contract) The following very Desirable PROPERTY.
Lot 1. A Messuage at Hingham with the Barn, Stables & other Outbuildings, Yards, Gardens & old established & well accustomed Water Mill with two pairs of French Stones & Flour Mill & a newly erected brick Tower Windmill with two pairs of French Stones & Flour Mill & two Spring Sails and two Common Sails nearly new, with all other requisite Machinery, Going Gears, Wheels & Fixtures in the Water Mill & Windmill in good condition … & also 5a. 2r. 4p. of capital Pasture & Meadow Ground thereto adjoining & belonging. The Water Mill is supplied by abundant Springs arising in the Property & are situated so as to give a fall of 16 feet & afford a nearly equal supply of water both Summer & Winter. The property is situated in a fine Corn Country one mile from the Market Town of Hingham, five miles from Wymondham & five miles from Attleburgh & is most desirable Property either for Investment or Occupation & is only subject to the following Annual Outgoings

The above Estates are all Freehold & are in the occupation of Mr. John LANE & Possession thereof may be had at Michaelmas next. Part of the Purchase Money may if required remain on Mortgage of each Lot.
Apply to Mr. ALEXANDER, Solr. Hingham, to Mr. S. LOCK, the Auctioneer Barton Bendish near Stoke Ferry, to Mr. Andrew Lane, the Proprietor, Deopham or to Mr. John LANE the tenant of the Premises.
Norfolk Chronicle & Norwich Gazette - 5th, 12th & 19th July 1845

To Millers & others
Newly erected MESSUAGE, WATER & WIND_CORN_MILLS at HINGHAM, Norfolk, Mr. George W. SALTER Begs most respectfully to announce that he has been favoured with instructions to offer for Sale by Auction at the Cock Inn, Attleborough on Thursday 14 October next at 4 o'c One of the best & most desirable MILL properties in the County comprising a first rate new built & well situated WATER CORN MILL at Hingham in Norfolk, with a substantially built new & genteel Residence with excellent Barn, Stable, Waggon Lodge & other Outbuildings, Yards & Garden.
The Mill is situated in a rich corn district, one mile from the Market town of Hingham & five from those of Attleborough & Wymondham at both of which there are stations of the Norfolk Railway…
Also within a short distance of the Water Mill a capital & substantial New Built Brick Tower Windmill with four floors, standing in an excellent situation for wind, driving two pair of French Stones, winding herself & having 2 common & 2 patent spring sails, flour mill & going gears in good repair; & attached to it 4 pieces of capital Meadow & Pasture Ground containing together 6a. 2r. 17p. or thereabouts.
The whole Estate is Freehold & is in the occupation of Mr. John LANE who will give immediate possession. The yearly Outgoings are as under

Particulars of Mr. COCKELL, Solr. Attleburgh, Mr. ALEXANDER, Solr. Hingham, Mr. Richard BURCH, East Dereham, Mr. John LANE upon the Premises, at the Royal Hotel, Norwich & at Mr. George W. SALTER's Auctioneer & Land agent offices, the Leys, Attleburgh.
Norfolk Chronicle - 23rd September and 2nd & 9th October 1847

To be Sold by Private Contract
A First rate new built & well situated WATER CORN MILL with a substantial new built Dwelling house, Barn, stable, Waggon Lodge & other Outbuildings, Yards & Gardens
Also within a short distance of the Dwelling house & Water mill a capital new built brick tower Windmill with four floors standing in an excellent situation for wind, driving two pair of French Stones, winding herself & having 2 common & 2 patent spring sails, flour mill & going gears in good repair & attached are four pieces of capital meadow & pasture Land containing together 6a.2r.17p.
The Water mill …
The whole Estate is Freehold & is in the occupation of Mr. John Lane who will give immediate possession.
Apply to W. Alexander, Solr. Hingham.
Norfolk Chronicle & Norwich Gazette - 20th & 27th May 1848

Hingham Water Mill & Wind Mill
To be Sold by Auction by Mr. Geo. W. Salter
At the White Hart Inn, at Hingham, on Tuesday 1 August 1848 at 4 o’c
Without the slightest reserve
A First rate … (details as advertisement of 20 & 27 May)
The Mills are capable of manufacturing upon an average six lasts of corn weekly.
Possession at Michaelmas next.
Apply to W. Alexander, Solr. Hingham or Mr. Salter, Auctioneer, Attleburgh.
Norfolk Chronicle & Norwich Gazette - 8th, 15th & 29th July 1848

Situations Vacant
To Journeymen Millers
WANTED, a married Man between 30 & 40 years of age to work a Small Water Mill & Windmill. One accustomed to bag work would be preferred, good character indespensable.
Apply to Mr. W. Bowles, Hingham Mills.
Norfolk News - 10th October 1857

Hingham Mills
To be sold by Auction by Mr. John Eaton at the White Hart Inn at Hingham on Thursday 30 June 1859 at 4 o’c without reserve
By Order of the Mortgagees thereof under a Power of Sale
A new-built WATER CORNMILL with a new-built Dwelling House, Barn, Stables, Waggon Lodge & other Outbuildings, yards & Garden. Also within a short distance of the Dwelling House & Water Mill a new-built brick TOWER_WINDMILL with four floors, standing in a good position for wind & having two common & two patent spring sails, Flour Mill & going gears in good repair.
The Water Mill contains four floors & has been recently fitted up with a superior cast iron water wheel, two pairs of French Stones, flour mill & jumper & all other requisite machinery & going gears all of which are in perfect condition.
And attached are four pieces of Arable, Meadow & Pasture Land containing together 6a.2r.17p.
The Estate is all freehold & is in the occupation of Mr. William Bowles & possession thereof will be given on the 11 th day of October next.
Apply to Mr. Alexander, Solr. Hingham or the Auctioneer, Attleburgh.
Norfolk Chronicle & Norfolk News - 28th May, 4th, 11th & 25th June 1859

Hingham Water & Wind Mills
To be let on lease for a term of years
A neat Dwelling house & a WATER CORN MILL & a BRICK_TOWER_WINDMILL standing in an excellent situation for wind, each of them driving two pair of French stones, with a Barn, Stables, cow house, Piggeries, Waggon lodge & other convenient Outbuildings, Yards & Garden & four pieces of capital Meadow & Pasture Land containing together 6a.2r.17p.
The Mills have just undergone a complete state of repair (as well as all other Premises) & they are situate in a rich corn district within one mile of the town of Hingham & five from the Railway Stations of Attleborough & Wymondham.
The above are now & have been during the last eleven years in the occupation of Mr. William Bowles, the Proprietor, who will give Possession at Michaelmas next, he having purchased a Farm at a distance & intending to occupy it himself.
Apply to Mr. Bowles, Miller, Hingham, or to Mr. D. Alexander, Solr., Hingham.
Norfolk News - 5th July 1862

To Millers
WANTED immediately, a steady active Man, one who understands his Business & can be recommended by his last Employer.
Apply to W. Bowles, Hingham.
Norfolk Chronicle & Norfolk News - 26th July & 12th August 1862

William Bowles eventually moved to Sheffield where he traded as a hay, corn & straw merchant.

Situations Vacant
To Journeymen Millers
WANTED, a married Man about 30 years of age who can be well recommended from his late employer.
Apply to Mr. Greenacre, Hingham Mills.
Norfolk News - 24th September 1864

Situations Vacant
To CARTERS
WANTED, a strong active Married Man as a CARTER & occasionally to work on the Land, about 30 years of age. Good character & reference indespensable.
Apply to Mr. Greenacre, Hingham Mills.
Norfolk News - 18th February 1865

WORSTEAD, Norfolk
To be Sold by Private Contract, a Brick & Tiled DWELLING HOUSE, Barn, Stable and Outbuildings and 3¼ Acres of good ARABLE LAND. Also a Tower_WINDMILL driving 3 pairs of stones, with Flour Mill and Patent Sails. The above is close to a good Corn Market and the Dilham Canal.
Apply to Geo. Greenacre, Hingham Mills, Attleborough.
Norfolk News - 28th July & 18th August 1866

Situations Vacant
To Millers & Carters
WANTED, a trustworthy Man for a WIND & WATER MILL. Must be well recommended & have three years character from last employer. Also a CARTER with same recommendations.
Apply to G. H., Post Office, Hingham.
Norfolk News - 13th April 1867

Situations Vacant
To Millers
WANTED, a strong active Married Man as UNDER MILLER; one willing to make himself generally useful. A written character from last employer required.
Apply to George Greenacre, Hingham Mills.
Norfolk News - 21st September 1867

Situations Vacant
To Millers
WANTED, a Married Man to assist in the MILL & do other work when required. Good character from last employer.
Apply to G. Greenacre, Hingham Mills, Attleborough.
Norfolk News - 7th November 1868

Hingham
Wind & Water Mill
To Let for a Term of Years
A NEAT DWELLING HOUSE, a WATER CORN MILL & a BRICK_TOWER WIND-MILL standing in an excellent situation for wind, each of them driving two pairs of French Stones, with a Barn, Stables, cowhouse, Piggeries Wagon Lodge & other convenient Outbuildings, Yards & Garden & four pieces of capital MEADOW & ARABLE LAND containing altogether about 6a.2r.17p. the Mills have lately undergone a complete state of repair & they are situated in a rich corn district within one mile of the town of Hingham & five from the railway stations of Attleborough & Wymondham.
The above are now & have been during the last eight years in the occupation of Mr. G. Greenacre, who is now doing a good trade at the above Mills.
Norfolk News - 9th & 16th July, 10th & 17th September 1870

Preliminary Notice
Salter & Simpson are instructed to offer for Sale during the ensuing month the following valuable Properties.
Hingham
Freehold WATER & WIND_MILLS in excellent order & full Trade, with nearly 7 Acres of capital Meadow & Pasture LAND, now in the occupation of Mr. Robert Atmore.
Particulars of Mr. F. Fox, Solr. Norwich or the Auctioneers, Attleborough.
Norfolk Chronicle - 22nd July & 5th August 1876

On Thursday next. Desirable Mercantile Property At Hingham
Salter & Simpson are favoured with instructions from Mr. William Bowles to Sell by Auction at the New Inn Hotel, Attleborough, on Thursday August 24, 1876 at 3 for 4 o’c
The Freehold WATER & WIND Mills, well situated for wind & water, each driving two pair of French Stones & fitted with all the necessary gears. Also a convenient Brick & Tiled Dwelling House with Garden, Orchard, Barn, Stable, Waggon Lodge & other Outbuildings & two pieces of excellent Arable LAND containing in all about 6a.2r.17p.
This property, in which a good trade has for many years been carried on, is occupied by Mr. Robert Atmore under an agreement expiring Michaelmas 1878 at an annual rent of £80.
Further particulars of Mr. Fred. Fox, Solr. Surrey Street, Norwich or the Auctioneers, Attleborough.
Norfolk Chronicle & Lynn Advertiser - 19th August 1876

To Millers
HINGHAM
To Let. With Possession at Michaelmas next
Capital WATER & Brick Tower WIND_MILLS with convenient Dwelling house, Garden & all requisite Outbuildings, now in full Trade. Known as "Hingham Mills". Also two productive Inclosures of Arable LAND containing nearly 7 acres, all now in the the occupation of Mr. R. Atmore.
Apply to Messrs. Spelman, Auctioneers or Mr. Fred Fox, Solr., Norwich.
Norfolk Chronicle - 8th & 15th June 1878

The Freehold WATER & WIND_MILLS with dwelling House, Barn, stabling & Outbuildings & Two pieces of Arable LAND containing in all 6a.2r.17p. in the occupation of Mr. Richard (sic) Atmore, which Salter & Simpson are favoured with instructions from Mr. William Bowles to Sell by Auction at the New Inn Hotel, Attleborough on Thursday August 24, 1878 (instead of Thursday August 17, as previously advertised) at 3 for 4 o’c
Particulars of Mr. Fred. Fox, Solr. Surrey Court, Norwich, or the Auctioneers, Attleborough.
Norfolk Chronicle - 12th August 1878

HINGHAM
TO LET, the WINDMILL & WATER MILL with DWELLING HOUSE & about seven acres of Land, situate at Hingham in Norfolk, now in the occupation of Mr. Robert Atmore.
Apply to Mr. Atmore at the Mill.
Norfolk Chronicle - 4th, 11th & 18th September 1880

Hingham Mills
To be Sold by Auction By
Messrs. Standley & Sons on Thursday December 30, 1880
All the Live & Dead FARMING STOCK, Mill carts, Neat & Modern HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE, & Effects of Mr. Robt. Atmore who is leaving England.
Sale to commence at 11 o’c.
Particulars in Catalogues to be had of the Auctioneers, Wymondham.
Norfolk Chronicle - 18th & 25th December 1880

Hingham
TO BE LET With immediate possession, the HINGHAM WATER & WIND_MILLS with convenient Dwelling house, Stables, Yards & Buildings & two Pieces of Arable LAND containing about 6a.2r.0p. now in the occupation of Mr. Robert Atmore, who is leaving the Country.
Apply to Messrs. Salter & Simpson, Auctioneers & Valuers, Attleborough.
Norfolk Chronicle - 1st January 1881

Hingham, Norfolk
FOR SALE BY PRIVATE CONTRACT
The old established Mills known as “Hingham Mills” containing Wind & Water Power (to which steam can easily be adapted) situate a mile from the Town, comprising Dwelling House with all requisite Outbuildings & about 6 acres of Garden & useful Land.
Possession at Lady.
Apply to Messrs. Salter & Simpson, Attleborough or Mr. Fred. Fox.
Norfolk Chronicle - 14th & 21st January 1882

To Millers, Merchants & Others
Hingham
Salter & Simpson are favoured with instructions to Sell by Auction at the White Hart Hotel, at Hingham. On Tuesday April 25, 1822 at 5 for 6 o’c
The capital Freehold WATER & Brick Tower WIND_MILLS with convenient DWELLING HOUSE & Garden, Barn, Stable, Cow shed, Piggery, Waggon lodge & other offices.
Also two Inclosures of Arable LAND containing in all about 6a. 2r. 17p. adjoining property of the Earl of Kimberley & Mr. P. Pitts & late in the occupation of Mr. S. Sharpin.
Immediate possession may be had.
Particulars of the Auctioneers, Attleborough or of F. Fox, Esq. Vendor’s Solr. Norwich.
Norfolk Chronicle - 8th & 22nd April 1882

William Samuel Barber, b.1837 worked as a miller or journeyman miller at several mills:
1861 at Eye, Suffolk;
1871 at Gissing_postmill;
1878-79 at Carlton Rode towermill;
1881-1883 at Rockland St Andrew postmill
1891-1904 and at Hingham_Deopham_Rd towermill and Hingham watermill.
As the windmill ceased working in 1902, William probably then continued working at the watermill.
William Samuel's step son Robert John Watling was recorded as miller (employee) from 1904 until 1908.
William's father Samuel Barber worked at Scole towermill from 1845 - 1864.

Local Bankrupts
Riches, Henry, Hingham, Miller
Norfolk Chronicle - 19th March 1892

Norwich Bankruptcy Court, April 25.
Re H. Riches, Hingham.
The debtor, Henry Riches, miller, Hingham, showed liabilities £116. 6/6 & in reply to the official receiver, he said that he had learned that his assets had realised £230. the fact was that he had become surety for £100 for some one & he had not that amount, so he was advised to file his petition. Mr. Gould remarked that Riches was worth more than now than he was when he commenced business. (Laughter) Riches asked when he could have his discharge & to his apparent satisfaction, he was informed that he did not need one.
Norfolk Chronicle - 30th April 1892

Norfolk Quarter Sessions
Robert THURSTON, miller's labourer, charged with embezzlling money of Lewis George POTTER, miller of Hingham.
Guilty. 4 months hard labour
Dereham & Fakenham Times - 8th January 1910

Hingham Miller sued
A Cart Transaction
At the same Court (Wymondham County Court, Tuesday 13th)
Willie Gordon SMITH, Wheelwright and carpenter of Hingham sued Lewis George POTTER, Miller of Hingham, for a new mill cart delivered and taking in old cart as agreed and a new lamp and fixing to cart.
.... disputes ....
Dereham & Fakenham Times - 17th January 1914
Defendant lost

Norfolk Quarter Sessions
Robert THURSTON, miller's labourer, charged with embezzlling money of Lewis George POTTER, miller of Hingham.
Guilty. 4 months hard labour
Dereham & Fakenham Times - 8th January 1910

Hingham Miller sued
A Cart Transaction
At the same Court (Wymondham County Court, Tuesday 13th)
Willie Gordon SMITH, Wheelwright and carpenter of Hingham sued Lewis George POTTER, Miller of Hingham, for a new mill cart delivered and taking in old cart as agreed and a new lamp and fixing to cart.
.... disputes ....
Dereham & Fakenham Times - 17th January 1914
Defendant lost

So far as I have been able to discover Hingham Mill is the only watermill in Norfolk with walls of clay lump. This unique feature, however, is dwarfed by; others more remarkable, for it is the only watermill in Norfolk not standing on a stream. Before it is a mill pool full of still water. Across the road on higher ground, "further upstream" one would say were this an ordinary watermill, is another piece of still water, perhaps a hundred yards long and fifteen yards across. You may leave this mystery and walk instead across a pleasant meadow and round to the back of the mill expecting to find at least some escaping "tail water" but will see only the blank wall of the mill and what looks like the dry bed of a river, grass covered and leading away to lower ground. And now for the story.
In this immediate vicinity are many powerful springs. During the last severe winter springs broke up the surface of roadways leading to two farms nearby, making a small area almost as dangerous as quicksand. No man would be prepared to stand long on the spot where water was oozing through the surface and lorries had to be diverted or become hopelessly bogged.
The planners of Hingham Mill were aware of this local tendency to produce spring water. They knew a little boggy place on high ground out of which water seeped and trickled away over the road to lower ground, and one day they dug the long shallow "pit" referred to earlier and uncovered thirteen springs; this became the source of water supply for Hingham Mill. Then they laid a culvert under the road and dug a large mill pool to serve as a reservoir. Then they built the mill.
Unfortunately the venture was never entirely successful. Perhaps there were times in the year when the springs rested. Perhaps they never supplied enough water to make their use a paying proposition. No one, so far as I have been able to gather, ever made a living out of Hingham Mill, though someone built a windmill (long since gone) between the mill pool and the pool of springs to provide auxiliary power. The mound on which it stood is there today. The watermill is out of use, though in fair condition. No water is seen at the back of the mill; the eye beholds only the old grass-grown bed of the stream, not seeing the piped waterway beneath it, laid by some enterprising miller long ago.
What a place for the setting of a play or the writing of a poem is Hingham Mill! While the miller slept away the darkling hours thirteen springs bubbled up from subterranean places and trickled away under the road, steadily raising the level of the mill pool, so that all the miller had to do on rising was to wind up his sluice gate and the imprisoned waters rushed upon the wheel, setting the rumbling stones to work before slipping away down the stone to Seamere lake half a mile distant.
Norfolk Water Mills by R.D. Clover - 6th December 1947

The lucum was deemed unsafe and removed in 1970 whilst the building was being generally repaired.
A third unique feature of this mill is that years later, the lucum was actually reinstated.

The mill would start working by water early in the morning and keep going until about mid-afternoon when the pond would have been practically drained. The wheel then stopped until next morning when the pond had filled up again.
When there was not enough water, a hot bulb engine that stood in the part of the mill between the wheel and the house was brought into operation.
All the offal - maize, bran etc. - had to come from Wramplingham Station by cart. Three horse and carts were employed at the mill.
Mr. Leverett, Hingham resident - 16th July 1975

Grant to Restore Unique Mill

A £3,000 grant to help restore a unique Norfolk watermill has been approved by the county council.
The 18th century mill at Hingham was unique on two counts, members of Norfolk planning sub-committee were told. First, the mill was fed by a spring rather than a stream, and second, it was a three storey building, yet constructed entirely of clay lump.
The eventual aim was to turn the mill into a house while retaining as much character as possible, but repair work of some £22,000 was required as a first step.
Other grants approved by the sub-committee included £7,000 to the Norfolk Churches Trust, £15,000 to the Norfolk Windmills Trust and £10,000 to the Norfolk Historic Buildings Trust.
Eastern Daily Press - 1st March 1982

Hingham Mill, Grade II listed and with 2.23 acres was advertised for sale during October 1998 in the Eastern Daily Press with a guide price of £400,000.

My husband’s father, Michael Pearsall, has very fond memories of The Mill which was his home when he was a young boy. He had a rather peripatetic childhood because his father played in a brass band and so, particularly during the war years, the family travelled around England a lot. I am not sure how long he lived at The Mill but it was probably no more than a year, around 1951, and yet it seems to be the ‘happy place’ he returns to in his mind. His youngest brother, Julian was born there and as he passed away last year, Julian's daughter remarked that she too would love to see the place that her father kept a photo of, hanging in his house in South Africa.
His family emigrated to South Africa when he was a teenager and yet even now as an old man in his eighties, still living in SA, he looks up the property on Google Maps and traces the route he walked to school and back when he was around 10 years old. He complains that lately much has changed and the new developments are making the landscape unrecognisable!
He developed a great love for birds during his time in the Hingham countryside, his mother Iris had a pet black bird that came into the house for food and they had geese too. Perhaps it is no coincidence that waders are his favourite given the proximity to water in that part of the world.
Catherine Pearsall - 4th April 2023

1316: John Le Marshall, mill owner - died

1316: Mill inherited by John Le Marshall's sister, Hawise de Morley

Universal British Directory 1793: ? Billam, miller

Pigot's 1822: John & Andrew Lane

Pigot's 1830: John Lane

Tithe award 1842: John Lane, owner & occupier (towermill & watermill)

White's 1845: Andrew Lane, miller

July 1845: Mill advertised for sale by auction along with the towermill. Watermill described as newly built

September 1847: Mill advertised for sale by auction. Owner: Andrew Lane; occupier: John Lane, miller

May 1848: Mill advertised for sale by private contract along with the towermill

Slater's 1850: John & Andrew Lane

1853: William Bowles, miller (previously at Gt Ellingham postmill & Old Buckenham Wilby Warren postmill)

White's 1854: John Bowles, corn miller

Craven's 1856: William Bowles, miller

1857: John Bowles, miller

May 1859: Mill advertised for sale by auction

1859: William Bowles, miller

July 1862: Mill advertised to be let as Wiliam Bowles intended to move to a newly purchased farm

1862: William Bowles, miller

1862: George Greenacre, miller

White's 1864: George Greenacre, miller & baker

1866: George Greenacre, miller

1870: George Greenacre, miller

July 1870: Mill advertised to be let along with the towermill

1870: Robert Atmore, miller

August 1876: Mill advertised for sale by auction along with the towermill on instructions from William Bowles

Kelly's 1879: Robert Atmore, miller, The Mills

1880: Robert Atmore, miller

September 1880: Mill advertised to be let along with the towermill

December 1880: Mill advertised for sale by auction along with the watermill due to Robert Atmore emigrating

January 1881: Mill advertised to be let along with the towermill due to Robert Atmore leaving the country

1882: S. Sharpin, miller

January 1882: Mill advertised for sale by private contract along with the towermill

April 1882: Mill advertised for sale by auction along with the towermill

1883: S. Sharpin, miller

Kelly's 1883: Henry Riches, miller

March 1892: Henry Riches, miller - bankrupt

Kelly's 1892: Henry Riches, farmer & miller (wind & water)

Kelly's 1896: Henry Riches, farmer & miller (wind, water & steam) & corn & flour merchant

Kelly's 1900: Henry Riches, farmer & miller (wind, water & steam) & corn & flour merchant

Kelly's 1904: Henry Riches, farmer & miller (water & steam) & corn & flour merchant

Kelly's 1908: Henry Riches, farmer & miller (water & steam) & corn & flour merchant

Dereham & Fakenham Times 1910: Lewis George Potter, Robert Thurston, labourer

Kelly's 1912: George Lewis Potter, miller (water & oil), farmer & corn & flour merchant

Dereham & Fakenham Times 1914: Lewis George Potter (Potter later became bankrupt)

c.1915: Henry Riches (owner) with nephew living in the mill house

1920s: Turbine installed (not very successful)

Mr. Rix

Mr. Huntley

c.1940: Milling ceased and mill became a farm store

c.1942: Mill sold to Mr. Raby, retired bank manager from Manchester. All machinery removed

1952: Mr. & Mrs. Leonard Gray

Norfolk C.C. report 1969: No machinery

1982: Converted to residential

1982: Mrs. C. M. Richards, The Watermill, Deopham Road, Attleborough

c.1998: Mill, house and 5.3 acres advertised for sale by Jackson-Stops & Staff for around £650,000

October 1998: Eastern Daily Press carried an advert of the mill for sale at a guide price of £400,000

September 2004: Mill advertised for sale by Strutt & Parker along with 6.29 acres for c.£795,000

February 2010: Mill advertised for sale by Savills in grounds of 6.29 acres for £1,000,000

April 2010: Mr. & Mrs. E. Bales