East Ruston postmill was first recorded in 1758 and appears on Faden's map of 1797. Rudd Turner bought the mill in 1812 and it was taken over in 1831 by his son John Rudd Turner, who owned and worked East Ruston towermill that stood some 1,150 yards on lower ground to the south west of the postmill. The postmill was known as the High Mill and later the Old Mill whereas the towermill was known as the New Mill.

A POST WINDMILL and brick Round house, now in full trade, with one pair of French Stones and one pair of pake do, with going gears complete. Also a good Dwelling house adjoining the said mill with convenient outbuildings and about one rood of land.
Enquire of Mr. John Ward of East Ruston, owner of the said mill and premises.
N.B. Immediate possession may be had by the purchaser.
Norfolk Chronicle - 6th January 1810

By order of the Executors of the late Mr. Rudd Turner deceased at the King’s Arms Inn, North Walsham on Thursday 17 June 1841 at 5 o’clock. In two Lots by Mr. BARCHAM
Lot 1. All that valuable WINDMILL situate at East Ruston of four Stones Power wherein a very lucrative trade has been carried on for many years, together with a Dwelling House, Barn, Stables and other convenient Outhouses, Yards, Gardens and 3 acres of very superior Land immediately surrounding the Mill. Freehold. Land Tax 10s.
Lot 2. A Piece of Land called the Mill Land lying in East Ruston near the above containing 0a.3r.26p. Freehold. Land Tax 4s.
The extent of Trade which this Mill has commanded for many years added to the very excellent situation and quality of the land render the above spot superior to anything of the kind which has been offered to the public in this part of the county for many years.
The Buildings are all substantial and good and some part of them have been erected within a very few years.
Apply to the Auctioneer, to Ashe Rudd Esq., to Mr. Charles Turner of Edingthorpe or to Mr. Millard, Solicitor, North Walsham.
Norfolk Chronicle - 5th January 1841

WINDMILL, Dwelling House, Barn, Stable and 4a, 1r, 18p. Arable Land with immediate possession WILLIAM SPELMAN & SONS will Sell by Auction by order of the Mortgagee on Thursday 14 September 1848 at 5 o’clock at the King’s Arms Inn, North Walsham
The following estate at East Ruston lately occupied by Mr. James Scarland
Lot 1. A WINDMILL, Dwelling house, Stables, Granary and other Outbuildings, a well of capital water, Garden and enclosure of Arable Land of excellent quality containing altogether with the site of the Buildings 3a. 1r. 22p. The Mill (which stands remarkably well for wind) has a lofty round-house, patent spring sails nearly new, two pairs of stones, linseed crusher, stripping mill etc. and is in excellent repair and good order.
Lot 2. Arable Land 0a. 3r. 26p…
The above property is Freehold.
Particulars of Mr. J. Clowes, Solicitor, Yarmouth and the Auctioneers, Norwich and Yarmouth.
Norfolk Chronicle - 9th September 1848

James Francis Horner, who sketched the picture at the top of this page, became the son in law of John Rudd Turner, when he married John Turner's daughter in 1869. James Horner was born in Norwich 1839/40, his father having come from Blofield. At the time of his marriage in 1869 he was a watch/clock maker, having been apprenticed to his uncle in Clapham, S. London, where he subsequently inherited the business and shop. His son, Frank Horner later took a photograph depicting East Ruston towermill

1758: Ann Ramsdale

Faden's map 1797:

1810: John Ward, owner

6 January 1810: Mill advertised for sale by John Ward

1812: Mill bought by Rudd Turner

1831: Rudd Turner killed his wife and baby

1831: John Rudd Turner

1832: Rudd Turner died in an asylum

Tithe Award 1841: John Rudd Turner

Thursday 17 June 1841: Mill sold by auction

White's 1845: James Scarland, miller

Thursday 14th September 1848: Mill sold by auction on the death of James Scarland

Harrod's 1877: John Bristow, farmer and miller, High Mill

c.1851 - 1879: John Bristow

Census 1851:

Census 1861:

White's 1883: Alfred Bristow, miller & farmer; also Stalham

Kelly's 1891: Alfred Bristow, miller, also at Stalham smockmill

1979: Mill derelict, the only remains being a single storey roundhouse with no roof

Copyright © Jonathan Neville 2005