Wimbotsham
Lynn Road
postmill

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Drainage Mills (Windpumps)
Steam Mills
Watermills

Wimbotsham postmill stood a few yards inside the Wimbotsham parish boundary with Downham Marketand the property had a 176 foot frontage to the east side of the Lynn Road. The mill had patent sails and a fantail that powered two pairs of 4ft. French burr stones. A bakery and a steam mill were also on the site and the steam mill used a 12 h.p. beam engine to drive another 2 pairs of 4ft French burr stones and 1 pair of 2ft 10ins Grey stones, a boulting mill and a wheat cleaner.

Royal Exchange Fire Insurance policy 83562

William Smith of Gaywood in the County of Norfolk, Miller, as Proprietor & Thos. Masters of Bawsey in the said County, Farmer, as Mortgagee. On a Windmill timber built situate at Wimbotisham in the County aforesaid in the Occupation of Mr. Balding, £100.
22nd April 1782

Royal Exchange Fire Insurance policy 97258

Stephn. Baldwin of Stow Bardolph in the County of Norfolk, Miller as Proprietor, & Thos. Masters of West Acre in the said County as Mortgagee.
On Houshold Furniture in the Dwelling House of the said Stephen Baldwin brick built and thatchd situate in Stow Bardolph aforesaid - £15.
On Utensils and Trade in the same - £5.
On a Windmill timber built and boarded situate at Wimbotsham in the County afsd. in the Occupation of the sd. Stephen Baldwin - £100.
On Utensils and Stock in Trade therein - £20.

18th April 1786

For Immediate Disposal
A Village Baker's & Grocer's Business with Post Office attached, doing ready mone
y trade; can be had for the price of fixtures, owner going abroad.
Apply by letter to G. T. Merrington, Miller, Downham Market.
Norfolk Chronicle - 7th, 14th & 21st July 1792


Royal Exchange Fire Insurance policy 145209

Stepn. Baldwin of Stow Bardolph in the Co. of Norfolk, Miller.
On his D. House and Offices adjg. Brick & Thatch'd sit. in Stow Bardolph aforesd. - £100.
On Furniture therein - £30.
On Utensils & trade in the same - £20.
On a Windmill Timber built sit. at Wimbotsham in the Co. aforesaid in his own Occupn. - £70.
On the Standing and Going Geers, Mill Stones, Wire Machines and Drefsing Mills therein - £30.
On Utensils and Stock including Bolting Cloths, Sacks and other moveable Utensils in the same - £50.
No Kiln therein.
(Renewed from No.97258).

13th May 1795

To Millers & Bakers
Downham Market & Wimbotsham, Norfolk
To be Sold by Auction By Elsey & Bird On Monday 22 September 1806 between the hours of 6 and 8 in the evening At the Queens Head Inn in Downham Market aforesaid
A Compact and desirable estate SITUATE in Downham Market and Wimbotsham aforesaid comprising a messuage, old established baking office, stable and other convenient outbuildings, together with the yards, garden and piece of pasture land thereto adjoining called Mill Hill, containing in the whole one and a half acres (more or less), with capital post Windmill thereon standing and going gears thereto belonging and also an inclosed Pightle of Land adjoining containing half an acre (more of less).
The premises abut on & adjoin the turnpike road leading from Downham market to Lynn and being situated in a good corn country are well worth the attention of a miller and baker, both of which trades having been carried on there for many years.
The whole of the estate is freehold (except the inclosed pightle of land which is copyhold) and the same is now in the occupation of Mr. Edm. Merrington, the proprietor and possession thereof may be had at Old Michaelmas next.
Application to Messrs. Brighton & Paine, Solrs. Downham Market aforesaid.
Norfolk Chronicle - 13th & 20th September 1806


To Millers & Bakers
Downham Market & Wimbotsham, Norfolk
To be Sold by Auction On Monday 28 November 1803 between the hours of 5 & 8 in the evening at the Crown Inn in Downham Market aforesaid
A Compact & Desirable ESTATE situate in Downham Market & Wimbotsham aforesaid, comprising a Messuage (now let in two tenements), old established baking office, stable & other convenient buildings, together with the yards, garden & a piece of pasture land thereto adjoining called the Mill Hill, containing in the whole one acre & a half (more or less), with a capital post wind-mill thereon standing & going gears thereto belonging, & also an inclosed pightle of land adjoining (now planted as an orchard0 containing half an acre (more or less)
The premises abut on & adjoin the turnpike road leading from Downham Market to Lynn & being situated in a good corn country are well worth the attention of a Miller & Baker, both which trades having been carried on there for many years.
The whole of the Estate is Freehold (except the inclosed pightle of land which is Copyhold of the Manor of Wimbotsham with its Members) & the greatest part of the dwelling house with the baking office, Mill Hill & windmill are in the occupation of Mr. Edmund Merrington, under lease, for 14 years (3 years whereof were unexpired at Michaelmas last) at the very low rent of £15.
The remaining part of the premises are in the tenure of Samuel Reynolds as tenant at will, at the yearly rent of six guineas. The tenants will show the premises & further particulars may be known on application to Messrs. Brighton & Paine, Solrs. at Downham Market, aforesaid.
Norfolk Chronicle - 19th & 26th November 1803


Wimbotsham
To Millers & others
Wimbotsham adjoining Downham Market, Norfolk
To be SOLD or LET
With immediate possession
All the FREEHOLD PROPERTY known as "THE WIMBOTSHAM MILLS", with the Engine, Boiler & Fixtures, together with capital Dwelling house, Granaries, Stables, Outbuildings & about 1½ acres of Land adjoining; in all about 2 acres.
The above is offered as a going concern; an extensive business has been carried on for many years & the Mill etc. is now in the occupation of Mr. G. T. Merrington.
For further particulars & orders to view etc. apply to

  Cruso & Wilkin,
Estate Agents, Kings Lynn.
Lynn Advertiser - 15th, 22nd & 29th December 1888

Wimbotsham
To Millers & others
Wimbotsham adjoining Downham Market, Norfolk
To be SOLD or LET
With immediate possession
All the FREEHOLD PROPERTY known as "THE WIMBOTSHAM MILLS", with the Engine, Boiler & Fixtures, together with capital Dwelling house, Granaries, Stables, Outbuildings & about 1½ acres of Land adjoining.
The above is offered as a going concern; an extensive business has been carried on for many years & the Mill etc. is now in the occupation of Mr. G. T. Merrington.
For further particulars & orders to view etc. apply to

  Cruso & Wilkin,
Estate Agents, Kings Lynn.
Lynn Advertiser - 5th January 1889

Preliminary Advertisement
Wimbotsham near Downham Market, Norfolk
To Millers & others
Messrs. Cruso & Wilkin Have received instructions to offer for Sale by Auction at the Crown Hotel, Downham Market of Friday 22 February 1889 next all that
VALUABLE FREEHOLD PROPERTY known as Wimbotsham Mills, with immediate possession.
Further particulars & orders to view can be obtained of the Auctioneers or of Messrs. Seppings & Wilkin, Solrs. Kings Lynn.
Lynn Advertiser - 2nd February 1889


To Millers & othersWimbotsham Mills, Downham Market, Norfolk
Messrs. Cruso & Wilkin
Have received instructions to offer for Sale by Public Auction at the Castle Hotel, Downham Market, on Friday February 22, 1889 at 3 for 4 o’c in the afternoon … all that
Valuable Freehold Property known as the Wimbotsham Mills, near Downham Market, containing in all 1a.2r.0p. (more of less) bounded on North & East by land of – Wyer’s Executors, South by land of – Bayly & West by the high road & being a POST WIND-MILL with patent sails & Fan Tackle, driving two pairs of 4 ft. French Barley (?) Stones, together with a STEAM MILL with 12 h.p. Beam Engine & 16 h.p. Boiler, driving two pairs of 4 ft. French Stones & one pair of 2 ft. 10 in. Grey Stones, Bolting Mill & Wheat cleaner with TWO GRANARIES & COAL HOUSE under same, 200 ft. Capital Stabling for three horses, with Hay, Straw & Harness House.
Also a well built & conveniently arranged DWELLING HOUSE containing 3 sitting rooms, 4 bed rooms, 2 kitchens & domestic offices.
Productive GARDEN & PADDOCK.
The Post Mill is well situated for wind & the whole property is in good repair.
The business has been in the same hands many years & a good trade has been done.
Further particulars, conditions of sale & orders to view can be obtained of the Auctioneers or at the office of
Messrs. Seppings & Wilkin
Solrs. Kings Lynn.
Lynn Advertiser - 9th & 16th February 1889


In the matter of the Deed of Assignment executed on the 14 th day of December 1888 by George Thomas Merrington of Downham Market in the county of Norfolk, Miller.
Notice is hereby given that all Creditors of the said George Thomas Merrington who have not already executed or in writing assented to the Deed of Assignment are requested … to send particulars before 8 June 1889 …


22 May 1889

Reed & Wayman

Downham Market
Solrs. to the Trustees

Lynn Advertiser - 25th May 1889

To be Let or Sold
Post Wind-mill together with Steam mill near Downham Market, Norfolk. Every convenience, with or without Dwelling house.
Particulars of Wm. Pope & Sons, Downham Market.

Lynn Advertiser - 10th August 1889
William Pope & Sons were wholesale & retail drapers and also owned the mill


To Millers & others
Wimbotsham Mills Downham Market, Norfolk
Freehold Property & Building Sites
J. W. Collins
Has received instructions from Mr. W. Pope to Sell by Auction at the Town Hall, Downham Market on Friday 23 May 1890 at 5 for 6 o’c in the evening, in one lot & if not sold, in the following lots …
Lot 1. All that valuable Freehold Property known as the “Wimbotsham Mills” near Downham Market, bounded on the north & east by land of --Wyer’s executors, south by lot 2 & west by the road leading from Downham to Lynn, comprising post mill with patent sails & wind tackle, driving two pairs 4 ft. French stones, together with the steam mill, coal house & granaries in two heights containing 16 h.p. boiler & 12 h.p. engine driving three pair stones, bolting mill, sifter & Eureka separating scouring machine. Also capital stabling for 3 horses with hay, straw & harness house, the whole having a frontage of 176 feet next the road.
Subject to the purchaser of Lot 2 having a right of carriage, horse & footway at all times & for all purposes over the roadway on the south of this lot to & from the high road.
Lot 2. All the desirable … Freehold Dwelling House …
Lot 3. All that portion of Paddock & Garden …
Further particulars & conditions of sale may be obtained of the Auctioneer, Downham Market, Mr. Sutterby, Lynn Road, or of John J. Nunn, Solr. Downham Market.
Lynn Advertiser - 3rd, 10th & 17th May 1890


In the matter of John Kemp of Downham Market, Miller
All persons having any claim against the said John Kemp are requested to send particulars ... to me on or before the 26th day of August, after which date the proceeds of the sale of the said John Kemp's personal estate will be distributed amongst his creditors.

  Wilfred A. Mellor,
Solr Downham Market
 
Lynn Advertiser - 15th & 29th August 1891

Downham
To end up the day’s disasters the windmill on the Lynn Road belonging to Mr. Pope was completely destroyed by fire in the night. The occurrence is directly traceable to the force of the wind which carried the sails round at such a tremendous rate as to cause combustion, the gear which controlled the sails having been broken. The Downham Fire Brigade were on the spot with all possible speed, but their efforts were unavailing to stop the spread of the flames and the mill was entirely destroyed.

Dereham & Fakenham Times - 30th March 1895

A windmill on the Lynn road, belongoing to Messrs. Pope & Sons, was burnt to the ground, the fire being caused through the rapid moition of the sales producing unusual friction.
Lynn Advertiser - 30th March 1895


It was known in the town that great fears were entertained for the safety of Mr. W. Pope’s windmill situated on the Lynn road & in the occupation of Mr. Redill. Everything was done to check the speed of the sails & Messrs. Redill & Son thought they had successfully weathered the storm; but about 1 am. On Monday morning the mill was discovered to be on fire. The fire bell quickly rang out its sepulchral clang & the firemen under the captaincy of Mr. Neal were promptly on the spot; but it was soon found that it would be impossible to save the mill & it was ultimately burned to the ground. The men, however, worked with a will to save the outbuildings …
Lynn News & Norfolk County Press - 30th March 1895


At Downham Market during the cyclone of Sunday March 24, Messrs. A. Pope and Son's windmill on the Lynn Road took fire, owing to the excessive friction generated, and was burned to the ground.
The Miller - 6th May 1895


In 1971 it was related that the mill had burnt down in a gale about 75 years ago (1895). The site, opposite Mill Lane, was then occupied by the bunglaow Hillcrest at 170 Lynn Road (Broomhill) and occupied by Mr. Perry.

O.S. Map 1886
O.S. Map 1886
Courtesy of NLS map images

O.S. Map 2007
O.S. Map 2007
Image produced with permission of Ordnance Survey

Ogilvy Plate 43, London to Kings Lynn 1675: Windmill

1782: Stephen Baldwin, miller

April 1782: William Smith, owner, insured the mill for £100 with Royal Exchange Fire Iinsurance

April 1786: Stephen Baldwin, miller, insured the mill for £100 with Royal Exchange Fire Insurance

May 1795: Stephen Baldwin, miller, insured the mill for £100 with Royal Exchange Fire Insurance

Faden's map 1797: Windmill

1803: Edmund Merrington, miller on a 14 year lease with 3 years unexpired at a rent of £15 per annum

November 1803: Mill advertised for sale by auction

1806: Edmund Merrington, miller

September 1806: Mill advertised for sale by auction

1822: Charles & Edward Merrington, millers

Bryant's map 1826: Windmill

Pigot's 1830: Charles Cambridge, miller, Lynn road

White's 1836: Charles Cambridge, corn miller, Lynn road

1845: Charles Cambridge, miller

1846: John Harrod, miller

1850: John Harrod, miller


Census 1851:

John Harrod (30) b.Weeting, miller
Elizabeth Harrod (30) b.Shouldham
Elizabeth Farrer (56) b.Shouldham, visitor
Susan Reeder (15) b.Northwold, general servant
Address: Lynn Road


1853: Charles Cambridge, miller

White's 1854: Charles Cambridge, corn miller, Lynn road

White's 1864: Charles Cambridge, corn miller, Lynn road

1865: Charles Cambridge, miller

1868: George Thomas Merrington, miller

1884: George Thomas Merrington, miller

White's 1888: George Thomas Merrington, corn miller, Lynn road

14th December 1888: George Thomas Merrington, made a Deed of Assignment for the benefit of his creditors

December 1888: Mill advertised for sale or let under the name Wimbotsham Mills

February 1889: Mill advertised for sale by auction under the name Wimbotsham Mills

August 1889: Mill advetised to be sold or let

1890: Albert Morley, miller

May 1890: Mill advertised for sale by auction under the name Wimbotsham Mills

Kelly's 1892: William Porter Register, miller (wind & water), Lynn Road

1895: Redill & Son, tenant millers. Mill owned by William Pope

Monday 25th March 1895: Mill destroyed by fire in a gale

Kelly's 1896: Elias Russell jnr, hay & chaff dealer, Old Mill house, Lynn road

1971: Mr. A. C. Canham, Ramblers, 164 Lynn Rd; Walter Russell, Westdene, 199 Lynn Rd.

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

Nat Grid Ref TF61750395
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Copyright © Jonathan Neville 2006