Whissonsett South post mill stood just to the south of Mill Lane and was built earlier than the North mill that stood a few yards away to the north of Mill Lane. Although the mill; ceased working in the early 1900s the baking business continued into the 1950s.

The mill had a roundhouse and used patent sails set on an iron windshaft to power 2 pairs of French burr stones, a flour mill and jumper.

MILL & BAKING OFFICE
TO BE LET and entered upon Immediately
A POST WIND-MILL, Garden and appurtenances, in Whissonsett in Norfolk.
Apply to Mr. Joshua Forby, proprietor.
Norfolk Chronicle - 16th September 1815

To Millers To be SOLD
A POST WINDMILL with head house, baking offices, stables and other appurtenances thereto belonging, well situate for wind, in the parish of Whissonsett, near Fakenham, the foregoing premises are nearly new.
Apply to Mr. J. Forby, the proprietor, if by letter post paid.
Norfolk Chronicle - 23rd November 1816

POST WINDMILL, MESSUAGE etc.
To be Sold by Auction By Thos. Platten At the Bull Inn, in Fakenham in the county of Norfolk. On Thursday 28 August 1817 between the hours of six and eight in the evening.
A POST WINDMILL and a Messuage or Dwelling house and Baking Office in full trade, with the stable, outbuildings, yard, garden and small inclosure or pightle of Land in Whissonsett in Norfolk, in the occupation of ABDELL SMITH whose tenancy thereof will expire at Old Michaelmas next.
The windmill and buildings were erected about three years since and together with the greatest part of the land are Freehold.
Norfolk Chronicle - 16th & 23rd August 1817

WANTED
An APPRENTICE to a MILLER & BAKER
Apply to Mr. Joshua Forby, Whissonsett, if by letter post paid.
Norfolk Chronicle - 22nd February 1823

Tithe Award 1843
Map 1840
Owner: Francis Frohawk
Occupier: William Yaxley & another

To Millers & Bakers To be Sold by Private Contract
A Capital POST CORN WINDMILL with Roundhouse, Dwelling house, Baking office, Buildings and other Premises in WHISSONSETT.
The Mill is fitted up with Iron Shafts, two Patent Sails and good machinery, two pair of Stones, Flour Mill and Jumper and every requisite on four floors and in good repair.
The above described Premises are in the occupation of Mr. William Yaxley and a considerable business has been done by him for nearly 20 years.
Possession may be had at Michaelmas 1847.
The Mill may be sold without the Estate and removed.
Apply to Mr. Cates,, Solr. Fakenham.
Norfolk Chronicle - 10th July 1847

WHISSONSETT
To Millers & Bakers
To be Sold by Auction by EDW. HOUGHTON on Monday 4 October 1847 at the Swan Inn, Whissonsett at 4 o'c
All that Capital POST CORN WINDMILL with Roundhouse, substantial and convenient Dwelling house, Baking office, 3-stall Stable, 2 Cart sheds, Warehouse and other Outbuildings, Yard and Garden containing together 2 roods and 24 perches situate in Whissonsett, Norfolk. The Mill is fitted up with Iron Shaft and good Machinery and two pairs of French Stones, Flour Mill and jumper and every requisite on four floors and in good repair.
The above Property is Freehold except 30 perches of Land which is Copyhold of the Manor of Godwick Hall in Tittleshall and is in the occupation of Mr. William Yaxley by whom a considerable business has been done therein for nearly 20 years.
Possession may be had at Old Michaelmas next and half the Purchase Money may remain on Mortgage if desired.
Particulars of Messrs. Cooper & Sons, Solrs. East Dereham or the Auctioneer at Wells.
Norfolk Chronicle - 18th & 25th September & 2nd October 1847

Situations Vacant
To Journeymen Millers
WANTED, a respectable Young Man, about 30, to work a Wind Mill.
He must have a good character from his last place.
Apply to Mr. Yaxley, Whissonsett, Litcham.
Norfolk News - 18th November 1865

Situations Vacant
To Journeymen Millers
WANTED, a steady active Man who understands working a Wind Mill.
He must have a good character from his last employer.
Apply personally to William Yaxley, Miller, Whissonsett, Norfolk.
Norfolk News - 30th September 1865

Situations Vacant
To Journeymen Millers
WANTED, a steady honest Man who can have a character from his last employer, to take charge of a Windmill. He must be competent with the stones etc.
Apply personally to William Yaxley, Miller, Whissonsett, Norfolk.
Norfolk News - 16th, 23rd & 30th November & 14th December 1872

To JOURNEYMEN MILLERS
Wanted a steady honest MAN to take charge of a Windmill.
He must be competent with the stones and have a good character from his last employer.
Apply personally to William Yaxley, Whissonsett Mills.
Lynn Advertiser - 23rd November 1872

Situations Vacant
To Carters and others
WANTED, a steady honest Man as Carter to the Milling Business.
He must be able to read and write and have a good character from his last employer.
Apply personally to William Yaxley, Miller, Whissonsett, Norfolk.
Norfolk News - 14th February 1874

To Journeymen Bakers
WANTED, a middle aged Man and his Wife - persons without incumbrances preferred - to take the Management of a Baking Business, at such a weekly or other salary as may be agreed upon. Applicants will be required to read and write and keep proper accounts and will have a comfortable Residence provided for them adjoining the Bake Office, together with all necessary fuel for domestic use. A good reference required.
Apply personally to Wm. Yaxley, Miller, Whissonsett, Norfolk.
Norfolk News - 21st & 28th February 1874

Preliminary Advertisement
WHISSONSETT, Norfolk
Valuable Freehold and Copyhold Cottage Property
Post Windmill in good repair, with Dwelling House, Bake Office etc.
Also about 4 acres of accommodation Land with Dwelling House, Butcher's Shop, Barn and Yard, which
Mr. Horace M. Wilkin
Has received instructions to offer for Sale by Auction during the month of October at the Crown Hotel, Fakenham, by order of the Executor under the Will of the late Mr. William Yaxley.
Further particulars in future advertisements.
Lynn Advertiser - 4th October 1879

WHISSONSETT, Norfolk
Sale of Valuable Freehold and Copyhold Property
Mr. Horace M. Wilkin has received instructions from the Executor of Mr. William Yaxley to offer for Sale by Auction on Thursday October 23, 1879 at the Crown Hotel, Fakenham at 3 for 4 o'c
Lot 1.
Three Brick and Tiled Dwelling houses
Lot 2.
All that well built POST WINDMILL in good repair, driving two pairs of French Stones, together with a conveniently arranged DWELLING HOUSE ... chaise house, stables and outbuildings and about 3r. 20p. of LAND situate in the centre of the Village and commanding a good Trade, late in the occupation of the deceased. Freehold except for 30 Perches of Land which is Copyhold of the Manor of GOODWICK HALL. Fine Certain. 9d.
Lot 3.
Four Cottages
Lot 4.
About 4a. 5p. of valuable Accommodation Arable and Pasture LAND together with a DOUBLE DWELLING HOUSE, Butchers Shop, Barn, Yards, etc. situate on the main road to Fakenham and abutting Property of -- Lound & C. Basham, let at the exceeding low rental of £17.
Copyhold of the Manor of Whissonsett. Fine Certain. 10s. 7½d.
Apply to the Auctioneer, Lynn or to Messrs. Wright & Barton, Solrs. East Dereham.
Norfolk Chronicle & Lynn Advertiser - 11th & 18th October 1879

Notice re
William Yaxley deceased, Farmer and Miller, who died 7 September 1879
Will proved at Norwich 8 October 1879.
Norfolk Chronicle - 18th October 1879

To Millers
WANTED, a steady married man to work a Windmill and see after the stones.
Must have a good character from last situation.
Apply personally to John Yaxley, Whissonsett Mills.
Lynn Advertiser - 2nd October 1880

To Millers
WANTED, a strong active Young Man as Improver, to live in the house and assist in the bag mill. He must have been accustomed to driving out.
Apply personally to John Yaxley, Whissonsett Mills, East Dereham.
Lynn Advertiser - 1st October 1881

To Millers
WANTED, a young man as improver to work a post Windmill (grist) must have been accustomed to driving one. (out) To live in the house.
Apply to John Yaxley, Whissonsett Mills, East Dereham.
Lynn Advertiser - 22nd October 1881

To Journeymen Bakers
WANTED, a middle aged married man without encumbrance, to take the management of a Country Baking Business. Applicants must be able to read and write and have good references . House and fuel found. Apply personally to John Yaxley, Whissonsett Mills, East Dereham.
Lynn Advertiser - 25th March 1882

Re John Yaxley's Assignment
Notice to Creditors
Notice is hereby given that JOHN YAXLEY of Whissonsett in the county of Norfolk, Miller & Baker did by an Indenture dated the 30th day of October 1884 assign all his estate and effects unto Robert Nicholas Hammond of Fakenham in the said county, Esq., for the benefit of such creditors of the said John Yaxley as should execute the said Indenture; and
Notice is hereby given that the said R. N. Hammond, having realized the said estate and effects, will on and after the 20th day of January instant proceed to divide the moneys in his hands between and among such of the creditors of the said John Yaxley as shall at that date have executed the said Indenture.
N.B. The above mentioned Deed now lies at the office of the undersigned, in Swan Street, Fakenham for execution by the creditors of the said John Yaxley.

SITUATIONS WANTED
To Merchants, Millers and Maltsters
A young married man relinquishing business seek a situation as Clerk and Marketman. Good references.
Address, John Yaxley, Whissonsett, East Dereham.
Lynn Advertiser - 21st February 1885

WHISSONSETT
TWO WINDMILLS, THREE HOUSES & LAND
in the above Parish, in the occupation of Mr. Nelson and others.
Further particulars in future papers and of Messrs. Mills & Reeve, Norwich, Vendor's Solicitors.
Lynn Advertiser - 31st August 1895

...a post windmill and conveniently arranged dwelling house.
Bill of sale 1895

VINCENT & BECK
Have received instructions to sell by auction at the Swan Inn, Whissonsett on Wednesday September 25, 1895 all that POST WIND MILL and conveniently arranged Dwelling House with about 0a. 3r. 20p. of land, situate in the centre of Whissonsett and occupied by Mr. John Nelson at the yearly rent of £20.
Also all that well built FARM HOUSE and Buildings, Bake Office and brick round house and POST_WIND_MILL, together with 5a. 3r. 34p. of Arable land situate at Whissonsett and occupied by Mr. J. Rise, (Rix) H. Prior and J. Wilson (Nelson) at the annual rent of £38 and one enclosure of rich deep soil Arable Land containing 3a. 2r. 26p. more or less as occupied by Mr. J. Rise (Rix) at the annual rent of £8.
Sale at 4 o'c in the afternoon precisely, in 3 lots.
Particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained from Messrs. Mills & Reeve, Vendor's Solicitors and of the Auctioneers, East Dereham and Fakenham.
Lynn Advertiser - 7th, 14th & September 1895

WHISSONSETT
VINCENT & BECK have received instructions to Sell by Auction at the Swan Inn, Whissonsett on Wednesday September 25, 1895 all that POST WINDMILL and conveniently arranged DWELLING HOUSE, with about 3r. 20p. of Land, situate in the centre of Whissonsett and occupied by Mr. John Nelson at the yearly rent of £20.
Also all that well built Farm House, and Buildings, Bake Office and Brick Round House and POST WINDMILL, together with 4a. 3r. 34p. Arable Land situate in Whissonsett and occupied by Mr. J. Rix, H. Prior and J. Nelson at the annual rent of £38 and One Inclosure of Rich Deep Soil Arable Land containing 3a. 2r. 26p. more or less, as occupied by Mr. J. Rix at the annual rent of £8.
Sale at 4 o'c in the Afternoon precisely, in Three lots.
Particulars of Messrs. Mills & Reeve, Vendor's Solrs. London Street, Norwich and of the Auctioneers, East Dereham and Fakenham.
Lynn Advertiser - 21st September 1895

On 5th August 1970, Mrs Frank Mitchell of Necton, wrote to Harry Apling. She told him that she was John Nelson's daughter. She also said that John Nelson worked both the later Whissonsett mills (North & South) as well as Necton and Stanfield.

White's 1836: Matthew Yaxley, victualler and cattle dealer, Swan

White's 1845: Matthew Yaxley, victualler and cattle dealer, Swan

White's 1854: John Yaxley, Tailor & clothes dealer
White's 1854: Mr. Matthew Yaxley

White's 1864: John Yaxley, Tailor & clothes dealer
White's 1864: Mr. Matthew Yaxley

White's 1890: Arthur James Minister, baker & corn dealer

Kelly's 1892: Arthur Nelson, boot & shoe maker

Kelly's 1896: Arthur James Minister, baker & farmer
Kelly's 1896: Arthur Nelson, boot & shoe maker

Kelly's 1900: Arthur James Minister, baker & farmer
Kelly's 1900: Arthur Nelson, boot & shoe maker & carrier

Kelly's 1904: Arthur James Minister, baker & farmer
Kelly's 1904: Arthur Nelson, boot & shoe maker, carrier & farmer

Kelly's 1908: Arthur Nelson, boot & shoe maker & carrier

c.1814: Mill built

1815: Joshua Forby, miller

September 1815: Mill & baking office advertised to be let

1816: Joshua Forby, miller

November 1816: Mill advertised for sale

1817: Abdell Smith, tenant miller until 11th October

August 1817: Mill advertised for sale by auction

1823: Joshua Forby, miller

1826: Will of Joshua Forby, miller proved

White's 1836: William Yaxley, corn miller

White's 1864: William Yaxley, farmer & miller - also at Whissonsett North postmill

1865: William Yaxley, miller

1874: William Yaxley, miller

Kelly's 1879: William Yaxley, miller, farmer & baker - also at Whissonsett North postmill

7th September 1879: William Yaxley died

October 1879: Mill advertised for sale by auction

1880: John Yaxley, miller

1881: John Yaxley, miller

White's 1883: John Yaxley, miller & baker, & farmer

30th October 1884: John Yaxley assigned all his estate & effects via an Indenture

20th January 1885: Dividend paid to creditors of John Yaxley, miller

1888: John Nelson, miller - also at Whissonsett North postmill, Necton and Stanfield

White's 1890: John Nelson, miller - also at Whissonsett North postmill, Necton and Stanfield

Kelly's 1892: Arthur James Minister, baker, farmer & miller (wind)

1895: John Nelson, tenant miller renting at £20 per annum - also at North postmill, Necton and Stanfield

August 1895: Mill for advertised for sale along with Whissonsett North postmill

Kelly's 1896: John Nelson, miller (wind) - also at Whissonsett North postmill, Necton and Stanfield

c.1902: Mill ceased working

c.1912: Mill caught fire during a storm and destroyed

1970: Mill site occupied by a bungalow

Copyright © Jonathan Neville 2006