East Wretham towermill


Return to index of
Norfolk Windmills

17th May 1980
17th May 1980

East Wretham towermill was advertised as newly erected in 1875, although several millers were recorded in the village prior to that date and maps show a windmill on or close to the site as far back as at least 1826. The 4 storey mill was about 32 feet high and built of red brick with a vertically boarded domed cap.

Houses etc.
To be Let. With Possession at Michaelmas next

A SMALL compact and newly erected BRICK TOWER WINDMILL driving Two Pairs of French Stones, close to the Wretham Railway Station upon the Thetford and Watton Line, together with about 14 Acres of Arable and Pasture LAND, DWELLING HOUSE, Barn and other Outbuildings. A good Home Trade to be done.
For Rent and Particulars apply to Mr. Thomas Fisher Salter, Attleborough Hall, Norfolk.
Norfolk News - 28th August 1875

Edmund Land, who was miller in 1878 was previously at Stow Bedon smockmill in 1875 and was also recorded at Carbrooke postmill from 1836 - 1846.


The mill was converted to residential use around 1950-51 by Frank Brown who owned the village shop. At the time of conversion the mill had only one stock and one sail with 8 bays of 3 shutters.


Former windmill believed to date back to the seventeenth century. Converted into residential use approximately twenty years ago.
Charles Hawkins & Sons, Surveyors, Auctioneers & Estate Agents, Thetford - May 1983

The property consisted of the mill, garage, timber outbuildings and around two acres of land and the asking price for the freehold was £43,000.

1875: Mill newly erected

1878: Edmund Land, miller


1st January 1880:
Walter William Wiggett (miller) and his wife Emma had their daughter Ellen Emma baptised at nearby Hockham


Census 1881: Walter Weggett (27) b.East Wretham, miller & farmer of 15 acres employing 1 boy
Emma Weggett (22) b.Shipdham
Ellen Weggett (1) b.Hockham
Address: Mill House


1883: Walter Littleproud, miller and farmer

1926: Mill derelict

1950-51: Mill converted to residential use

May 1983: Mill advertised for sale by Charles Hawkins & Sons

2000: David Dixon, The Windmill



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 TL92519057  

Copyright © Jonathan Neville 2004
Top of Page