Henry Lock
millwright


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Henry Lock 1819 to 1849+

Henry Lock was born c.1789 in Norwich and took over the business of his late father, Nathaniel Lock in 1819.

HENRY LOCK,

MILLWRIGHT and FEN DRAINER

ST. JOHN MADDERMARKET,

NORWICH,

RESPECTFULLY returns his most grateful thanks to his Friends and the Public, for the many favours conferred on his late Father and family, and humbly solicits a continuance of the same, assuring them every attention shall be paid to give satisfaction.

H.L. begs leave to state, that he has solely conducted the business for the last six years, and hopes by an unremitting attention, he shall be found worthy their favours and support.

The business will be carried on in all its branches as usual, on the same premises as it has been for upwards of thirty years.

N.B. Several new French Stones of the best quality, also a pair of Old ones for sale.

Norfolk Chronicle - 5th June 1819

He was one of the contractors who built the Duke’s Palace Bridge in 1821/2, along with Robert De Carle (his brother-in-law) & Son and John Browne. He built New_Lakenham_Peafield_MIll in 1824; The High Mill, Poringland in 1825 and Crook’s_Place_Mill,_Heigham in 1826. In 1828 he did some repairs to the sum of £48. 4. 0. to the treadmill at the new Norwich Gaol. In 1829, he built Lakenham_Bracondale_Mill and also in that year was one of the trustees in a Deed of Assignment of Robert Darby, Innkeeper, of Lakenham. He was listed in Pigot’s Directory of 1830 as being in Broad Street, St. Andrew’s. In 1832, Poringland_High_Mill was struck by lightning.



About half-past eight o'clock on Thursday evening last, came on from the westward one of the most tremendous storms we have ever witnessed. ~ The Poringland Mill, belonging to Mr. Lock, was also struck by the electric fluid and the cap completely torn off and the mill very much shattered.
Norfolk Chronicle - 14th July 1832

Lakenham Peafield mill was to let in 1833, and Henry Lock announced his retirement in 1835.

HENRY LOCK

IN retiring from the business of a Millwright, takes this opportunity of returning his sincere thanks to those Friends whose support he experienced during the 22 years in which he has been engaged in the above business; and informs them that he has relinquished the business in favour of Messrs. BUTTIFANT, BLYTH and FRANCIS. Mr. Buttifant having been many years in his service as Foreman, H. Lock can with great confidence recommend him to his Friends and Connections, and earnestly solicits their Patronage and Support in favour of him and his Partners.

N.B. Henry Lock intends to confine himself in future exclusively to the business of a Civil Engineer and Valuator of Mills and Machinery. Letters addressed to him at King-street, or his Residence at Bracondale, Norwich, will be immediately attended to.
Norfolk Chronicle - 25th October 1835

Realising that he was getting into financial difficulty, Henry Lock put Poringland High Mill and Bracondale Mill up for auction in December 1835.


Valuable Freehold Tower Mills, Houses, and Land,

WITH POSSESSION AT LADY-DAY NEXT

To be SOLD by AUCTION.

By WM. BUTCHER,

At the Rampant Horse Inn, Norwich,

On Monday, December 21st, 1835,

At four o'clock in the Afternoon,
In Three Lots

Lot 1. A Superior Brick TOWER WINDMILL, with five floors at East Poringland, in Norfolk, distant four miles from Norwich, with Iron Shaft, patent sails, driving three pair of French stones, 4ft. 4 and 4ft. 6 diameter, of good quality, two flour mills, jumper, and all necessary machinery for carrying on an extensive business.

The above Mill is now in full trade, commanding one of the most elevated situations in Norfolk, it has been erected within the last ten years, upon most approved principles, and is allowed to be one of the best built and complete Mills in the county, distant from Norwich four miles, Loddon eight miles, and Bungay ten miles, all good Corn Markets.

Attached to the Mill is a comfortable Brick and Tile Dwelling-house, containing kitchen, parlour, counting-room, cellar, pantry, dairy, wash-house, and five sleeping-rooms; also two good brick and tile Cottages, cart lodge, piggeries, barn, cart and riding horse stable, gig-house, and large room over, now used as a school-room, and an excellent granary with two good boarded floors.

There is a very neat Garden and about eight acres of good land, in a ring fence around the Premises, with a plentiful supply of pure spring water.

The only outgoings are a Land-tax of 8s. per annum, and a Free-rent of 10s. per annum.

Lot 2. comprises that lofty and substantially-built Brick Tower Windmill, 40 feet in diameter, on a commanding eminence, Bracondale_Hill, Norwich, now in the occupation of Messrs. Bell and Co. as Tenants at Will. This mill was erected in 1829, and no expence spared to make it the most complete Tower Mill in the County; it contains nine floors, iron shaft, patent sails, drives four pairs of French Stones, 4ft. 6in. diameter, of good quality, two flour mills, jumper, corn screens, &c. &c.

There is also a two-stalled stable, Cart-lodge, and Garden adjoining the Mill.

All Freehold. – Land-tax redeemed.

Lot 3. – All those Tenements and Coal Bins, in the Lord Camden’s yard, Saint Gregory’s, Norwich, in the several occupations of Hodson, Smith, Hubbard, Copeman, Heep, and others, at Rentals amounting to £ per annum.

Freehold. – Land-tax

For further particulars apply to Mr. Winter, Solicitor; Mr. Lock, Bracondale Hill; or to Mr. Butcher, Auctioneer, Norwich.

Norfolk Chronicle - 5th December 1835


However, Henry Lock was declared bankrupt in February 1836.


WHEREAS a Fiat in Bankruptcy is awarded and issued Forth against HENRY LOCK, of the Hamlet of Bracondale, in the county of the city of Norwich, Millwright, builder, and Engineer, Dealer, and Chapman, and he being declared a Bankrupt, is hereby required to surrender himself to the commissioners in the said Fiat named, or the major part of them, on the Fourteenth day of March instant, at Eleven of the clock, in the Forenoon precisely, and on the Nineteenth day of April next, at Eleven of the clock, in the Forenoon precisely, at the Office of Charles John West, situate in the city of Norwich, and make a full discovery and disclosure of his Estate and Effects; when and where the Creditors are to come prepared to prove their debts, and at the first sitting to choose Assignees, and at the last sitting the said Bankrupt is required to finish his examination, and the Creditors are to assent to, or dissent from, the allowance of his Certificate. All persons Indebted to the said Bankrupt, or that have any of his Effects, are not to pay or deliver the same but to whom the Commissioners shall appoint, but give notice to Mr. Joseph Lythgoe, of 27, Essex Street, Strand, London, or to Mr. Charles John West, Solicitor, Surrey Street, Norwich.
Norfolk Chronicle - 5th March 1836


ALL persons who stood indebted to HENRY LOCK, of the hamlet of Bracondale, in the county of the city of Norwich, Millwright, Builder, and Engineer, Dealer and Chapman, a Bankrupt, are requested immediately to pay the amount of their respective Debts, either to John Francis of Saint George at Colegate, Manufacturer, of Cannuel Darkins, of the said parish, Builder, the Assignees of the said Bankrupt, or to us,
Norwich, 22nd April 1836.

THOMAS BRIGHTWELL

JAMES WINTER

Solicitors to the Assignees.

Norfolk Chronicle - 26th March 1836


The bankruptcy was not a straightforward one.

LOCK’S BANKRUPTCY

THE Creditors who have proved their Debts under a Fiat in Bankruptcy awarded and issued forth against HENRY LOCK, of the Hamlet of Bracondale, in the County of the City of Norwich, Millwright, Builder, and Engineer, Dealer, and Chapman, are requested to meet the Assignees of the said Bankrupt’s Estate and Effects, on the 13th day of June instant, at the Wounded Hart Inn, in the parish of Saint Peter of Mancroft, in order to assent to or dissent from the said Assignees’ commencing, prosecuting or defending any suit or suits at Law, or in Equity concerning the said Bankrupt’s Estate and Effects, or to compounding, submitting to arbitration, or otherwise agreeing any matter or thing relating thereto, and on other special affairs.

THOS. BRIGHTWELL)_ Solicitors to the

JAMES WINTER) Assignees.

Norwich, 3rd June, 1836.

Norfolk Chronicle - 4th June 1836

Lakenham Bracondale mill had not sold at auction in 1835, and was put up for auction again in 1836.


VALUABLE
MILL and other PROPERTY
IN NORWICH,
To be SOLD by AUCTION,
By WM. WILDE,
On Thursday, the 18 th day of August, 1836,
At the Wounded Hart Inn, St. Peter’s, Norwich.
At Four o'clock in the Afternoon.
(By order of the Assignees of HENRY LOCK, a Bankrupt,)

Most valuable PROPERTY, situate at Bracondale, near Norwich, and in the City of Norwich, in the following Lots: -

Lot 1. COMPRISES that lofty and substantially built Brick TOWER WIND CORN MILL, 40 feet in diameter, on a commanding eminence, Bracondale hill, Norwich, now in the occupation of Messrs. Bell and Co. as Tenants at Will. This Mill was erected in 1829, and no expence spared to make it the most complete Tower Mill in the county, It contains nine floors, iron shaft, patent sails, drives four pair of French stones, four feet six inches diameter, of a good quality, two flour mills, jumper, corn screens, &c. &c.

All freehold, – Land-tax redeemed.

Lot 2. Two large Workshops and Yard adjoining Lot 1, suitable for a Carpenter, Millwright, or any person requiring roomy premises.

Lot 3. Two Double Cottages, brick and tile, adjoining Lot 2, with gardens in front, small yard and convenience at back, now let to Smith and Marshall.

Lot 4. Two Gig-houses and two stalled stables, adjoining Lot 3, in the occupation of Mr. W. Ladell and Mr. Robert Stebbing.

The above Lots are Freehold, Land-tax redeemed, and have rights to the Pump on paying a proportion of keeping the same in repair.

Lot 5. – All that newly-erected Dwelling-house, extensive workshops, yard and premises, as now in the occupation of Messrs. Buttifant, Blyth, and Francis, Millwrights, founders &c.

The House comprises entrance-hall, parlour, kitchen, wash-house, five bed-rooms, water closet, &c. The Workshops are sufficient for the employment of twenty workmen, and are well lighted.

The whole is Freehold – No Outgoings.

This Lot is let on Lease for a term of years (20 of which are unexpired), at a rental of £50 per annum, payable half-yearly.

Lot 6. – All those Freehold Tenements, Coal Bins, and Wash-house, abutting upon the River in the Long Lane and Lord Camden Yard, in the parish of Saint Gregory, in the Several occupations of William Heap, George Copeman, – Adcock, and James Grinton.

Rent £15, 18s, 4d. – Land-tax, £1, 6s, 3d.

Lot 7. – A Coal Bin and several Tenements, adjoining Lot 6, abutting the River, in the occupation of Hodson, Palmer, Parker and Smith.

Rent, £10, 15s. 0d. – Land-tax £1, 0s. 0d.

For further particulars and condition of Sale apply (if by letter post-paid) to Mr. J. Francis or Mr. Cannel Darkins, Norwich, the Assignees; Mr. Thos. Brightwell, Solicitor, Surrey Street; Mr. Jas. Winter, Solicitor, St. Giles’ Street; or to the Auctioneer, Saint Andrew’s Broad Street, Norwich.

Norfolk Chronicle - 6th August 1836


The bankruptcy rumbled on.


LOCK’S Bankruptcy
THE Creditors who have proved their Debts under a Fiat in Bankruptcy, awarded and issued forth against HENRY LOCK, Millwright, Builder, and Engineer, Dealer and Chapman, are requested to meet the Assignees of the said Bankrupt’s Estate and Effects, on the 22nd day of November instant, at the Wounded Hart Inn, in the parish of St. Peter of Mancroft, in order to assent to or dissent from the said Assignees commencing and prosecuting one or more suit or suits in Equity, or such other proceedings at Law or in Equity or in Bankruptcy, as the nature of the case may require, against a person to be named at the meeting and such other parties, if any, as the shall be advised to be necessary parties to such suit or suits, or otherwise the said Assignees referring to and submitting to arbitration the claim or claims of the said Assignees upon the aforesaid person; and also to assent to or dissent from the said Assignees commencing and prosecuting one or more suit or suits in Equity, or such other case may require, against a certain other person or persons, in any, as they shall be advised to be necessary parties to such suit or suits,. or otherwise to the said Assignees referring to and submitting to arbitration the claim or claims of the said Assignees upon the said certain other person, and generally to authorize the said Assignees to act for, and on behalf of, the Creditors of the said Bankrupt, in relation to the matters aforesaid, in such manner as to the said Assignees shall seem most beneficial, and on other special affairs.
17th November, 1836

THOMAS BRIGHTWELL

JAMES WINTER

Solicitors to the Assignees.
Norfolk Chronicle - 5th November 1836

Henry Lock had been busy erecting buildings in Norwich city centre, this may give a clue as to why he went bankrupt, perhaps he over-stretched himself financially, as at the time he went bankrupt he was due to repay the money that he had borrowed to build Bracondale_Mill.


CAPITAL INVESTMENT

Post Office Street, Norwich,

(By order of the Assignees of HENRY LOCK)

In the course of the next month, the extensive SHOP and DWELLING-HOUSE, in the occupation of Mr. J. W. Murry, the Post Office and Dwelling-house in the occupation of the Post Master (W. P. Hicks Esq.) and the Public House called “The Hole in the Wall,” with a large Piece of Ground adjoining, will positively be offered for SALE, in Lots, by AUCTION, by WM. WILDE.

Particulars may be had on application to Mr. Thomas Brightwell, Solicitor, Surrey Street, Mr. James Winter, Solicitor, St. Giles’ Street, or to the Assignees, Mr. John Francis and Mr. Canuel Darkins, St. George’s Colegate, Norwich.

Norfolk Chronicle - 31st December 1836

Post Office Street, Norwich,

To be SOLD by AUCTION,

By WM. WILDE,

(By order of the Assignees of HENRY LOCK,)

On Monday, January 30 th, 1837.

At the Wounded Hart Inn, Upper Market, Norwich,

At Four o'clock in the Afternoon,

(Without Reserve,)

All Leasehold, for a Term, of which 213 years were unexpired at Michaelmas last.

Lot 1. ALL that Old-established PUBLIC-HOUSE, adjoining the Post Office, called “The Hole in the Wall,” together with the Land adjoining, forming a frontage of 67 feet and a depth of 45 feet.

Lot 2. – The newly-erected substantial Dwelling-house, opposite Lot 1, and now in the occupation of. Mr. White, Tunist.

Lot 3. – The Dwelling-house adjoining Lot 2, (also newly-erected) and in the occupation of Mr. Sullivan, Dentist.

Lot 4. – The roomy and substantial Dwelling-house adjoining Lot 3, in the occupation of Mr. Hawkes.

Lot 5. – The Shop and Dwelling-house adjoining Lot 4, in the occupation of Mr. Taylor, Grocer.

Lot 6. – The very commodious corner Shop and Dwelling-house adjoining Lot 5, in the occupation of Mr. Leman, Bookbinder and Stationer.

The above property is all situate in the Post Office Street, in the city of Norwich, decidedly the best entrance to the Market Place. The houses are most substantial, having been built, without regard to cost, at the time intended for a permanent Investment, Further descriptions will be given in next week’s papers.

For particulars apply to Mr. Brightwell, Solicitor, Surry Street; Mr. Winter, Solicitor, St. Giles’ Street; to the Assignees, Mr. John Francis and Mr. C. Darkins, St. George’s; or to the Auctioneer.
Norfolk Chronicle - 7th January 1837

The detailed advert duly appeared a fortnight later, Lot 1 was split and full details were given of all the properties.


Henry Lock may have built Honingham windmill circa 1836. He was mentioned in an advert in 1837 when the mills (a windmill and watermill worked together) were to let.


TO MILLERS or MEALMEN,

HONINGHAM MILLS

TO BE LET

And may be Entered upon at Midsummer next,

ALL those capital WATER CORN MILLS, driving three pairs of Stones, with flour Apparatus, &c. with Steam Engine attached. – Also a capital Brick Tower Windmill, driving two pairs of Stones, with patent Sails, &c.

A capital Dwelling-house, with yards, gardens, stabling, sheds, and cottages, with every convenience attached. About 18 Acres of excellent Arable and Meadow Land adjoining, may be had if required.

The Mills are capable of manufacturing 8 lasts of Corn per week on an average of the year, and are very eligibly situated for Trade, adjoining the Turnpike road, in a good Wheat country, about half way between the city of Norwich and Market Dereham, from each about seven miles.

Apply to Mr. Utton, Bracondale, Norwich; or to Mr. Lock, Engineer, Post-office, Norwich.

Letters to be post-paid.

Norfolk Chronicle - 22nd & 29th April & 6th May 1837


The bankruptcy was drawing to an end in the spring of 1837.


The Commissioners in a Commission of Bankruptcy awarded and issued against HENRY LOCK, of the Hamlet of Bracondale, in the county of the city of Norwich, Millwright, Builder, and Engineer, Dealer and Chapman, intend to meet on Friday, the twelth day of May next, at the Wounded Hart Inn, St. Peter Mancroft, Norwich, in order to audit the Accounts of the Assignees and to make a Dividend of the Estate and Effects of the said Bankrupt, when and where the Creditors who have not already proved their debts are to come prepared to prove the same, or the will be excluded the Benifit of the said Dividend, and all claims not then proved will be disallowed.
Norfolk Chronicle - 6th May 1837


LOCK’s BANKRUPTCY.

The Creditors who have proved their Debts under a Fiat in Bankruptcy against HENRY LOCK, late of the Hamlet of Bracondale, in the county of the city of Norwich, Millwright, Builder, and Engineer, Dealer and Chapman, may receive a First Dividend of Five Shillings and Sixpence in the Pound on application at the Counting-room of Mr. Samuel Darkins, St. George’s Plain, Norwich, (one of the Assignees) any day after Monday next.

Norwich, 2nd June, 1837.

THOMAS BRIGHTWELL

JAMES WINTER

Solicitors to the Assignees.
Norfolk Chronicle - 3rd June 1837

A further meeting of the creditors was called in March 1838.


The Commissioners in a Fiat of Bankruptcy bearing date the eleventh day of February 1836, awarded and issued forth against HENRY LOCK, of the Hamlet of Bracondale, in the county of the city of Norwich, Millwright, Builder, and Engineer, Dealer and Chapman, intend to meet on the thirteenth day of March instant at Eleven o'clock in the Forenoon, in order to Audit the Accounts of the Assignees of the Estate and Effects of the said Bankrupt under the said Fiat, persuant to an Act of Parliament made and passed in the sixth year of the reign of His late Majesty, King George the Fourth, entitled “An Act to Amend the Laws Relating to Bankrupts,” And the said Commissioners also intend to meet on the same day at the same hour, and at the same place, in order to make a further Dividend of the Estate and Effects of the said Bankrupt, when and where the Creditors who have not already proved their debts are to come prepared to prove the same, or they will be excluded the benefit of the said Dividend. – And all claims not the proved will be disallowed.

THOS. BRIGHTWELL)_ Solicitors to the

JAMES WINTER) Assignees.
Norfolk Chronicle - 10th March 1838

A further dividend was declared in October 1838.


LOCK’S BANKRUPTCY.

THE Creditors who have proved their Debts under a Fiat in Bankruptcy against HENRY LOCK, of the Hamlet of Bracondale, in the county of the city of Norwich, Millwright, Builder, and Engineer, Dealer and Chapman, may receive a further Dividend of Seven Shillings and Six-pence in the Pound, on the amount of their respective Debts, on application at the counting-room of Mr. Canuel Darkins, (one of the Assignees), St. George’s Plain, Norwich, any day after Friday next.

Norwich, 17th March 1838.

THOMAS BRIGHTWELL

JAMES WINTER

Solicitors to the Assignees.
Norfolk Chronicle - 17th October 1838

Henry Lock was listed Blyth’s Directory of 1842 as a millwright at 3, St. Catherine’s Terrace. He was still in business as an engineer in 1849.


TO CONTRACTORS.

 

PERSONS desirous of CONTRACTING FOR DEPTHENING the RIVER WAVENEY from the Locks by Ellingham_Mill to Mill’s Lock, (a distance of about six furlongs,) are requested to apply to Mr. Henry Lock, Engineer, St. Catherine’s Plain, near Ber-street Gates, Norwich, where a plan of the River and Specification may be inspected.

The work to be commenced in the first week in June, and completed within one month.

Norfolk Chronicle - 5th May 1849


Henry Lock was listed in Hunt and Co.’s Directory of 1850 as a civil engineer living at St. Catharine’s Terrace. In 1851 he was given as a civil engineer aged 62 living on the north side of the road from St. Catherine’s Plain to Ber St. Gates, St. John Sepulchre with his wife Susanna, 69. He was listed in White’s Directory of 1854 as an engineer at St. Catharine’s Terrace. He died on the 1st August 1859.


DIED

Monday last, at his residence, Lakenham, in this city, aged 70, Mr. Henry Lock, civil engineer.

Norfolk Chronicle - 6th August 1859


What survives of his work?

In 2007 the tower of Lakenham_Peafield mill still stands, now converted to residential accommodation, as does the tower of Honingham_towermill. The original Duke’s Palace Bridge now spans the entrance to the Castle Mall car park in Norwich.

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