Wells Black's Lane postmill stood off Market Lane on the south side of the town. The mill had a roundhouse and used patent sails to power 2 pairs of stones, a flour mill and jumper.

Crime by the Mill.

Two men reported as on trial for the murder of Robert Baker in Black Lane in October 1817.
Norfolk Chronicle - 30th March 1822

Tithe Award 1845
Map, Edward Boughton, Surveyor, 1843
Owner: Exors. of Edmund Miller
Occupier: Thomas Dixon Sandling

WELLS, Norfolk
To be disposed of by Private Contract in consequence of the owner, Mr. John Clark of Wells, Miller, being compelled through continued illness to relinquish the business.
All that POST WINDMILL driving two Pairs of Stones, standing in an Inclosure of Land situate next the Market Lane, Wells, with Flour Mill and Jumper, four Patent Sails and Going Gears complete and Brick Round house underneath. The Mill and appurtenances are in good repair and condition and a considerable trade is connected therewith.
Also, subject to the approval and consent of the Landlord, the Lease held by Mr. Clark for eleven years unexpired from 11 October next of the piece of Ground on which the said Mill stands and of 5a. 3r. 0p. of excellent Arable Land adjoining thereto.
Also ... DWELLING HOUSE ... situate in Burnt Street, now in the occupation of Mr. Clark.
For further particulars apply to Mr. John Clark or to Mr. Garwood, Solicitor, Wells.
Norfolk News - 12th August 1865

WELLS, Norfolk
Mr. Spicer is instructed to Offer for Sale by Public Auction at the Globe Hotel in Wells on Wednesday September 6, 1865 at Seven o'c in the evening.
Lot 1.
All that POST WINDMILL driving two Pairs of Stones, standing in an Inclosure of Land situate next the Market Lane, Wells, with Flour Mill and Jumper, four Patent Sails and Going Gears complete and Brick Round house underneath. The Mill and appurtenances are in good repair and condition and a considerable trade is connected therewith.
Also, subject to the approval and consent of the Landlord, the Lease held by Mr. Clark for eleven years unexpired from 11 October next of the piece of Ground on which the said Mill stands and of 5a. 3r. 0p. of excellent Arable Land adjoining thereto.
Copyhold of the Manor of Wells, late the Prior of Walsingham.
For further particulars apply to Mr. Garwood, Solicitor, Wells or to the Auctioneer, Wells.
Norfolk News - 26th August & 2nd September 1865

WELLS, Norfolk
Mr. Robert Spicer is instructed to offer for Sale by Public Auction at the Globe Hotel in Wells on Tuesday 23 January 1866 at Seven o'clock in the Evening.
Lot 1.
All that POST WINDMILL driving 2 pairs of stones, standing in an Inclosure of Land situate next the Market Lane, Wells, with flour mill and jumper, 4 patent sails and going gear complete and brick roundhouse underneath.
The mill and appurtenances are in good repair and condition.
Subject to the approval and consent of the Landlord, the Lease for 11 years from the 11th October last of 5a. 3r. 0p. of excellent Arable Land on part of which the said Mill stands, will be delivered to the Purchaser of the Mill at his option.
If the consent of the Landlord be not obtained or if the Purchaser declines to take the said Lease, the Mill must be removed within 14 days from the sale.
adjoining thereto.
Lot 2.
All that MESSUAGE or Farmhouse lately erected, situate in Burnt Street Wells, with Stable, Cartsheds, Granary, Barn and Yards, Outbuildings and Premises lately in the occupation of Mr. John Clark deceased.
Copyhold of the Manor of Wells, late the Prior of Walsingham.
For further particulars apply to Mr. Thomas Garwood, jun. Solicitor, Wells or to the Auctioneer, Wells.
Norfolk News - 13th & 20th January 1866

Ogilby's Britannia map London to Wells 1675: Windmill

1822: John Parker, miller

Bryant's map 1826: Windmill

Pigiot's 1830: Nicholas Plowright, miller, Staithe st

1836: Nicholas Plowright, miller (Staithe Street)

1839: Thomas Dixon Sandling, miller (High Street) - and at Northfield smockmill

1840: Thomas Dixon Sandling, miller (High Street) - and at Northfield smockmill

Tithe Award 1845: Owner: Exors. of Edmund Miller; Occupier: Thomas Dixon Sandling, miller (High Street)

1865: John Clark, miller died

12th August 1865: Mill advertised to be sold by private contract

26th August 1865: Mill advertised for sale by auction

January 1866: Mill advertised for sale by auction

c.1866: Mill moved from Wells and re-erected at Burnham Overy Staithe

Copyright © Jonathan Neville 2006