Shotesham Mill in Shotesham St. Mary, was built in the 1700s and spent its last years working as a grist mill. It finally stopped working towards the end of the second world war when the last miller retired, before being demolished in 1949 after being badly damaged by floods. Apparently, at the time of its destruction it was described as "The little gem of Norfolk scenery."

The mill was almost saved, when at a meeting of the East Norfolk Rivers Catchment Board it was stated that the preservation of the mill was possible and Mr. Fletcher Watson, the architect, said that he had a client who was willing to restore the mill. Unfortunately it never came to pass.

Effort to Save Shotesham Mill

Private Offer For Renovation
In an attempt to save Shotesham Mill from demolition an interested person has offered to spend a considerable sum of money on its renovation. This was reported at yesterday's meeting of the East Norfolk Rivers Catchment Board.
At its last meeting the Board decided to make arrangements with Major Fellowes, the owner of the mill, for its demolition.
Reporting this latest development, Mr. S W. Mobbs, Chief Engineer of the Board, said he had been informed that Mr. Fletcher Watson, the architect, who had interested himself in the matter, had found a client prepared to put the mill in order and presumably live there.
He added that Major Fellowes had written referring to the importance of the waterway being kept free of obstruction and saying that if the Board was of the opinion that this could be done and the mill preserved whole, he would go further into the matter. If the Board did not think this would be possible, the mill would have to be demolished as originally agreed.
Mr. Mobbs said that, provided arrangements could be made for enlarging the waterway under the mill, obstructions and defective portions taken out and the old water mill removed so that the channel was sufficient for the flow of the river, there was no reasons why, if anyone was fool enough to spend sufficient money on it, it should not be preserved and a new top put on it.
The Chairman (Major S.W. Humphery) referred to the considerable reconstruction needed. He thought the Board would not object if proper arrangements could be made to safeguard its interests and the work could be done within a reasonable time.
Mr. Mobbs said he thought Major Fellowes would have to be satisfied that some kind of by-pass arrangements would be made in the river to prevent damage to his property from flooding.
It was agreed to await a report on developments at next month's meeting before making further arrangements about demolition.
Eastern Daily Press - 12th February 1949

SHOTISHAM MILLS
...one mile from Swainstorpe Station...
Sale of furniture of William BARNARD who relinquishes the above occupation.
Norfolk Chronicle - 29th September 1855

John Spratt made a will on 9th April 1817 and it was proved on 13th September 1819.
John Spratt, miller of Shottesham St. Mary, Nfk, appoints my son in Law William Spratt the Younger of Norwich, Coachmaker, & sons Andrew & Robert Spratt, executors of this will.

To ANDREW SPRATT, all that flour mill, dwellinghouse, land, hereditaments and premises situate lying at Mulbarton as is now in the occupation of said son Andrew for his heirs and assigns.

September 1763: Mr. Pratt listed as a contact re the sale of Bedingham smockmill

Faden's map 1797: Shotesh Mills

Shotesham Poll Book 1806: John Spratt, miller

c.1819: John Spratt died

White's 1836: William & Henry Barnard, millers

White's 1845: William Barnard, miller

Craven's 1856: William Barnard, miller

September 1855: William Barnard left

Kelly's 1858: John Wakelin Miles, miller

Harrod's 1863: John Wakelin Miles, miller

Kelly's 1879: Wiliam Crane, miller & farmer

Kelly's 1883: William Crane, miller

Kelly's 1896: William Crane, miller, steam and water

Kelly's 1900: Arthur Aldridge, miller

Kelly's 1912: Arthur Aldridge, miller

1st June 1915: Arthur Aldridge bought Hempnall Mill Road towermill at auction

June 1919: Eliza Aldridge sold Hempnall Mill Road towermill to Miss Helen Kate Vout for £300

Kelly's 1922: Execors. of Arthur Aldridge

Kelly's 1922: Execors. of Arthur Aldridge

Kelly's 1929: Arthur Aldridge & Sons, steam and water

Kelly's 1937: Horace Aldridge, miller

1947: Horace Aldridge retired

1947: Heavy winter floods caused damage

1949: Mill demolished