Norfolk Mills - East Bilney post windmill

East Bilney postmill

East Bilney postmill was working in 1788 but had almost certainly been dismantled by the turn of the century. The Swan Inn at East Bilney was the former mill house.

11th November 1719
William Easter sold part of Newcroft with messuage and part of Mill house, with capital messuage to John Ward, Beer Brewer. (There were 2 houses and gardens, one evidently a public house of long standing, comprising the present “Swan” site, one since rebuilt.)

11th November 1719
John Allison, Carpenter, wrote his will and died in the next year. He appears to have been at one time a Carpenter, a farmer of 12 acres, a miller and a publican, and owned the Barn behind the Swan. He speaks of his messuage or house in the Tenure of Charles Clarke, Miller; but I do not know which house that was.

1828

The part of E. Bilney near the “Swan” was known as “Thorpe in Bilney” in 1828

Swan Inn, East Bilney was former Mill House.

Windmill near East Bilney “Swan” public House.

The “Swan” has been de-licenced and a private house for several years now.

The above are extracts from the deeds of the Swan public house viewed in March 1973 and other later comments.

D. R. Brough, Dereham - 4th October 1978

Tithe map of 1838 drawn by Harry Apling

Tithe Award 1838 Owner: Daniel Ward Occupier: do
No. 22	Mill Close	Arable	2a. 2r. 37p. part of 14a. 1r. 8p.	£2.16s.

1788: Charles Clarke, miller

Faden's map 1797: Bilney Mill

Tithe Award 1838: Daniel Ward, Mill Close

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 TF94751985

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