Norfolk Mills - Emneth smock windmill

Emneth smockmill

Emneth smockmill stood in Chapel Lane that ran alongside the Wisbech canal but the mill was technically in the parish of Elm in Cambridgeshire. The four storey tarred wooden tower stood on a single storey brick base. The domed cap held an eight bladed fan and the mill was powered by four single shuttered patent sails.

It was said that the Joseph Webb, claimed that the building of the new school house robbed him of his wind at Emneth_towermill. Presumably this was the National School built in 1859. Joseph Webb was declared bankrupt in April 1867, as a result of his legal expenses.

Joseph Webb bankruptcy - Lynn Advertiser 20th April 1867

LOCAL BANKRUPTS
HAMMOND, William, lately residing at Mill-house, Emneth, Norfolk, now staying at Chigwell Row, Essex, miller.
Norfolk Chronicle - 7th December 1889

Kelly's directory of 1908 only lists William Gray as a baker, the mill presumably having ceased to work by that time.

Faden's map 1797: Windmill

Bryant's map 1826: Windmill

White's 1836: John Bird, corn miller

White's 1845: John Wilkinson, corn miller; home: Elm

1846: George Smith, miller

White's 1854: Thomas Storrey, corn miller

1858: Joseph Webb, miller also at Emneth towermill

White's 1864: Joseph Webb, corn miller also at Emneth towermill

1865: Joseph Webb, miller also at Emneth towermill

April 1867: Joseph Webb declared bankrupt due to dispute with school taking his wind

1868: Thomas Bird, miller

1872: Isaac Measures, miller

1875: Isaac Measures, miller

1883: William Gray, miller

White's 1888: William Gray, corn miller

December 1889: William Hammond, miller - bankrupt

Kelly's 1892: William Gray, steam miller & sack letter

Kelly's 1896: William Gray, steam miller & sack letter

Kelly's 1900: William Gray, steam miller & sack letter

Kelly's 1904: William Gray, steam miller & sack letter

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 email or telephone 07836 675369.

Nat Grid Ref TF48050670

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