East Runton towermill was first shown on Bryant's map in 1826. The 5 storey mill tower was around 38 feet high and was built of cement rendered brick, having originally been built to 4 storeys. The mill used 4 double shuttered sails set on an iron windshaft to power three pairs of stones, a flour mill and jumper. The boat shaped cap had a six bladed fan, gallery and a chain pole.

Joseph Baker married Susan Dawson in Holt on 1st May 1804. Susan Dawson's family owned the brickworks in Runton, which is probably where Joseph was working when he took over the mill. It is possible that he actually built the mill.

It would appear that in 1841 William Reynolds jnr who was then 17, and from Thurning_watermill, was learning the trade of milling from Joseph Baker, as the 1841 census shows him living with the Baker family in the mill house.

RUNTON
To Millers To be let

EAST RUNTON
To Millers.
To be Let with immediate possession.
A BRICK TOWER WINDMILL driving three pairs of Stones and going gears complete, with Granaries, Stables, Cottage, Dwelling House, Garden etc. either together or separately, situated at east Runton within a mile of the fashionable place of Cromer, Norfolk.
Apply to Mr. Baker, Runton or Mr. William Baker, High Street, Lynn.
Norfolk Chronicle - 6th December 1851

To be let. A Powerful BRICK TOWER WINDMILL driving three pair of Stones, Flour Mill etc.
A Messuage and Garden and a Dwelling House, Granary, Stable, Gighouse, Cart Lodge, Drying Kiln, Oven house etc.
The Messuage and Garden attached are now occupied.
Possession of the Mill, Dwelling House and premises can be had immediately and of the Messuage and garden at Michaelmas 1857.
Apply to Mr. Johnson, Solr. or Mr. Sandford, Land Agent, Cromer or to view the premises to Mr. Burton at Runton.
Norfolk Chronicle - 30th August 1856

To Journeymen Millers.
WANTED, a Young Man to board and lodge in the house.
Apply to S. Millett, Runton Mills near Cromer or at the Angel Inn, North Walsham on Thursdays.
Norfolk News - 30th April 1859

RUNTON near Cromer.
To be let from Michaelmas next.
A very substantial Brick TOWER WINDMILL with iron shaft and patent sails driving three pairs of stones, flour mill and jumper with a capital Messuage and garden, a good cottage, granary, stable and other requisite buildings.
The Mill is well situated and affords an opportunity to an active man of business of doing an extensive and general trade.
Apply to Herbert J. Johnson, Solr. Cromer.
Norfolk Chronicle - 13th August & 1st October 1859

RUNTON near Cromer.
To be let from Michaelmas next.
A VERY SUBSTANTIAL Brick Tower WINDMILL with Iron Shaft and Patent Sails, driving three pairs of Stones, Flour Mill and Jumper, with a capital Messuage, Garden, a good Cottage, Granary, Stable and other requisite Outbuildings. The Mill is well situated and affords an opportunity to an active man of business of doing an extensive and general Trade.
Apply to Herbert J. Johnson, Solr. Cromer.
Norfolk News - 27th August & 1st October 1859

RUNTON

In 1860 James Kemp was miller and also school attendance officer.

Martha Holman was the daughter of local shoemaker John Holman and his wife Elizabeth Holman (née Bird) and she was baptised in Runton on 23rd November 1845. It would appear that Martha did indeed survive the accident as she is found in the 1861 census with her parents and no burial of a Martha Holman appears in the registers during that period.

Situations Vacant
WANTED, a Strong Active Youth as APPRENTICE to the MILLING Business.
Enquire J. Kemp, RUNTON MILL, near Cromer.
Norfolk News - 16th & 23rd September 1865

The death took place on September 23 at East Runton, of Mr. James Kemp who for many years had carried on Runton Mill, near Cromer, at the age of 75.
The Miller - 7th October 1912

ELLINGTONS
North Walsham, Estate Agent, Auctioneers, Surveyors, Valuers
Particulars of Property for Sale by Private Treaty

Sale brochure April 1976

Kelly's 1908: James Kemp, rate collector

Kelly's 1912: James Kemp, rate collector & clerk to the Parish Council

Bryant's map 1826: Windmill

White's 1836: Joseph Baker, miller & brickmaker (mill owner)

O.S. map 1838: Windmill

1843: Joseph Baker, miller

July 1843: Mill advertised to be let

White's 1845: George Waterson, corn miller

1846: George Waterson, miller

December 1851: Mill advertised to be let

White's 1854: Joseph Baker, corn miller

1856: Joseph Baker, owner and miller

August 1856: Mill advertised to be let

1858 - 1859: Joseph Baker, owner and miller and Stephen Millett, miller

c. November 1860: James Kemp, miller and school attendance officer

1893: James Kemp, miller

Kelly's 1904: James Kemp, miller (wind) & assistant overseer

Kelly's 1908: Ronald Hall, miller (wind) & farmer, Runton mill

23rd September 1912: James Kemp died aged 75

1926: Mill lying derelict

Karl Wood painting 1937: Tower remaining with cap and fanstage only

1949: Mill tower remaining as a shell

April 1976: Mill advertised for sale for £27,000

1984: Tower remaining along with sections of the cap frame and fanstage

2004: Tower renovated with new cap and fantail

Copyright © Jonathan Neville 2004