Norfolk Mills - Caston post windmill

Caston
postmill

Caston post mill was being run by James & William Smith in 1834, when they ran into financial difficulties and were forced to make Deed of Assignment for the benefit of their creditors. John Wyer then took the mill over and was miller and baker until he died in 1838.

Notice is hereby given that James Smith and William Smith of Hardingham, Rockland all Saints and Caston, in the county of Norfolk, Millers and Bakers, have by an Indenture dated 25 Feb. inst. assigned all their Personal Estate and Effects to Trustees for the equal benefit of their creditors.
Norfolk Chronicle - 1st March 1834

CASTON WINDMILL

To be LET. For a term of years, with immediate possession. A WINDMILL, GRANARY and PREMISES at Caston, in Norfolk, with or without six Acres of Land adjoining. Caston is within a short distance of the Market Town of Watton and is in good Corn Country.
The Mill is well situated for business, Mr. John Wyer, the late Proprietor having carried on a good trade therein. Apply to Mr. Massey, Solicitor, Watton, Norfolk. Letters to be post paid.

Notice to debtors.
All persons standing indebted to the late Mr. John Wyer, or to his executors since his decease, are requested forthwith to pay the amount of their respective Debts to Mrs. Hannah Wyer, the Widow and Executrix of the will of the said John Wyer.
Norfolk Chronicle - 17th November 1838

Tithe Award 20th April 1847 (In church chest) Enclosure Nos. 60 & 61, Robert Barker
60 61	Field Barn. Windmill & granary.	Arable. Pasture.	5a. 3r. 10p. 30p.	£1. 19. 6 10. 6
			--------------- 6a.	------------- £2. 10. 0

After John Wyer's death, his widow Hannah Wyer, leased the mill to Robert Barker for 15 years. At the end of the lease, Robewrt Barker moved to nearby Ovington mill and the business was taken over by Hannah's son Edward Wyer. Edward Wyer eventually demolished the postmill to make way for the towermill that he built in 1864. Frederick Wyer was also a journeyman miller at one period.

Greenwood's map 1834: Mill

1834: James & William Smith, millers & bakers at Hardingham and Rockland All Saints

25th February 1834: James & William Smith made a Deed of Assignment for the benefit of their creditors

1836: John Wyer (b.1798) miller & baker, owned 6 acres adjoining the mill

White's 1836: Miller & baker

April 1838: John Wyer died aged 36 leaving a widow, Hannah Wyer, who later died in 1905 at Watton

Index of Wills 1838: John Wyer, miller

November 1838: Mill advertised to be let

Census 1841:

Hannah Wyer (35) farmer
Edward Wyer (15) miller
Susanna Williams (20)

Robert Barker (25) miller
Jemima Barker (30)

White's 1845: Robert Barker, corn miller

Tithe Award 1847: Robert Barker, miller with a 15 year lease

1853: Robert Barker left to take over Ovington Mill a few miles away

1853: Edward Wyer (son of John Wyer) took over the mill

White's 1854: Edward Wyer, corn miller & baker

White's 1864: Edward Wyer, corn miller

1864: Mill demolished to make way for a new towermill and almost certainly moved to Old Buckenham

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 01263 587564 or

Nat Grid Ref TL95109816

Top of Page