Briningham
Belle Vue smockmill |
c.1905
|
Briningham smockmill was built by Sir Jacob Astley, 1st Baronet, of Melton Constable Hall in 1721 and a tablet over what was the east door that later became a window bears the inscription IA 1721. The mill did not work for long and Sir Edward Astley, the 4th Baronet replaced the 2 storey wooden tower with a cylindrical 3 storey brick tower at some time between 1771 and 1780. This new tower was built over the existing 3 storey brick octagonal base and was castellated with conical cupola roof to a height of around 50 feet. The base is the only one of its type in the county and is also the oldest base in the county. |
3 storey octagonal brick base. At ground level each side 10ft. giving external diameter, wall to wall, about 24 ft. Walls are staggered in four sections, the three lower ones being vertical, heights of 7ft. 6 ins. & 7ft. & the fourth sloping inwards slightly, 9ft. high, about 29 feet in all. This is surmounted by a cylindrical 3 storey brick tower, residential only, about 21 feet high, set in slightly from the centres of the walls, corners of which were chamfered towards the tower. (Query original or recent) As remaining, tower about 50ft. high. Doorwayto west, double doors. Original dorway to east converted to window. Original wiondows on 1st floor:- east, still open, south & west bricked up. Doors & original windows have brick arches; later windows all squared.
Harry Apling - 1975 |
The windmill was the first recorded windmill in Norfolk to ever be converted to residential use and became a residential folly known as Belle Vue Tower. |
... Melton ... Sir Edward Ashley at this place has a large park ... From a windmill near the park is a prodigious view of a rich woodland country, fully intemixed with cornfields & wanting nothing but a river to be complete. |
Melton Constable |
The view from Edgefield_windmill & Melton BELLE VIEW is incomparably picturesque & extensive. Armstrong - 1781 |
On the north side of the parish is a tower called Belle Vue, belonging to Lord Hastings, and commanding extensive views. |
On the north side of the parish is a tower about 60 feet high, called Belle Vue, as it commands extensive prospects. It is the property of Lord Hastings, and is occupied by his gamekeeper. |
Lord Hastings on Home Guard duty in front of mill with unknown Sgt. Major 12th October 1941 |
Detail on back of above photo - 12th October 1941 N.B. Spanish Armada approached England in 1588 - JJN |
Briningham
smockmill was the highest windmill in Norfolk and enjoyed remarkable views
of some 25 miles across rural North Norfolk. It stood on ground over 300
feet above sea level and was slightly higher than |
The mill was in Mill Lane and was situated above the site of two postmills that were further down the same lane. |
1990 |
Having become derelict of the course of time the tower was being renovated by Paul Wellard of South Creake when he left. The mill was then put up for sale in 1980. |
SPALDING & CO., |
Work incomplete, seems to have stopped some time ago. Inside walls of rooms in round tower have been made octagonal in plan to match smock mill base. |
To Whom it may Concern |
I, BENITA HIDE, of Belle Vue Tower, Briningham near Melton Constable, Norfolk, having during the past six months carried on the trade or calling of Shopkeeper hereby give you notice that it is my intention to apply at the Transfer Session for the said Licensing District to be held at the Court House, Holt Road, Cromer, on Thursday, December 5th next, at 10.30a.m., for the grant to me of a Justices' Licence authorising me to sell by retail intoxicating liquor of all descriptions for consumption off the premises situate at 35, Market Place, Holt, Norfolk, and known by the sign of "The Holt Cheese Shop & Delicatessen" of which premises Mr. Clive Buckle is the owner. Dated this 11th day of November, 1985. NORTON PESKETT & FORWARD, Solicitors & Agents for the Applicant). 148, London Road North, Lowestoft, Suffolk. Eastern Daily Press - 16th November 1985 |
21st May 1980 |
6th February 2005 |
JOHN MARSH FRICS Holt |
SAVILLS Upper King St., Norwich |
JOHN MARSH FRICS (Holt) |
Mill advertised again in the EDP by John Marsh on 24th October 1987, indicating that the previous SALE AGREED had fallen through. |
6th February 2005 |
Briningham mill (as it’s called on your website) - in the family we call it the tower (my Dad’s tower) he bought it in the very late 70’s and yes started the design In a octagonal plan as stated, Bonita was his girl friend at the time and one day Paul just left and left her the tower.
We have many before and after photos at my dads house of the (mill).
Paul Wellard is the designer and Architect who did the renovations in the 70’s !!!
And then just left for a new project, and life.
Wanda Wellard - 24th August 2021 |
O. S. Map 1885 |
1721: Mill built and became the highest mill in Norfolk |
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
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Nat Grid Ref TG03423348 |
Copyright © Jonathan Neville 2006 |