Foulsham
towermill

Contact

Drainage Mills (Windpumps)
Steam Mills
Watermills

c.1900
Mill working - c.1900

Foulsham towermill was built of red brick in the early 1800s. It was originally 5 storeys high with a stage on the 2nd floor but a 6th storey had been added by 1836. 3 pairs of French burr stones, 2 flour mills, a sifter, a patent smut machine and jumper were powered by 4 double shuttered sails, each with 11 bays of 2 shutters. The dome shaped cap was horizontally boarded with a petticoat, gallery and a six bladed fan.


A two horse dressing mill was operating on the site and was offered for sale in 1837. A 5 h.p. steam engine was set up to separately drive an additional 2 pairs of French burr stones and by 1863 it could also power the mill if necessary. By 1881 the engine had been upgraded to a fixed 10 h.p. London manufactured expansive & condensing model.


c.1910
c.1910

To be Sold by Auction by John Wright on Friday 26 on Saturday 27 August 1836.
All the STOCK in TRADE etc.
of Mr. William Scott, Miller, under an Execution from the Sheriff.
Sale to commence each Morning at 11 o'c.

Norfolk Chronicle - 20th August 1836

FOULSHAM

To Capitalists, Millers, Bakers and others
To be Sold by auction by JOHN WRIGHT on Wednesday 23 November 1836 at 4 o’clock at the Ship Inn, Foulsham.
All that newly erected and substantially built TOWER WIND CORN MILL belonging to Mr. Wm. Scott, Foulsham, Norfolk, with patent sails and revolving cap, three pair of French stones, two flour mills, machine and jumper, going and standing gears complete on six floors, two horse dressing mill, granary with three floors attached to the same.
Also all that Dwelling house… baking office with large oven, flour chamber and miller’s room over the same, wash house and yard, large stable yard, five-stalled stable and harness house, gig house, wagon lodge and outhouses, garden well planted with choice fruit trees and bushes and pightle adjoining containing about half an acre.
The above property is well situated in the centre of the parish of Foulsham where an extensive trade has been carried on.
Leasehold. Unexpired Term 269 years.
Attached to the same is a newly erected 5 horse power Steam Engine which may be taken by valuation at the option of the purchaser.

Apply to Messrs. Bignold, Pulley & Mawe, Solicitors, Norwich, Mr. James Saunders, Junior, Solicitor or to the Auctioneer, Foulsham.
Norfolk Chronicle - 5th, 12th & 19th November 1836

Norwich Mercury - 29th July 1837
Norwich Mercury - 29th July 1837

Foulsham Mills
To Millers & Bakers
To be Let with Immediate Possession
The Capital TOWER WIND CORN MILL, Dwelling House, Baking Office & Premises situate at FOULSHAM in the county of Norfolk, lately in the occupation of Mr. William Scott.
The Wind Mill has been lately erected in the most improved modern construction with patent sails & revolving cap, three pairs of French Stones, two flour mills, machine & jumper, going gears & standing gears complete on six floors, with two horse dressing mill & granary with three floors attached to the same.
The Dwelling house contains …
The above Property is well situated in the centre of the town of Foulsham where an extensive business has been carried on.
Attached to the Mill is a newly erected five horse power Steam Engine which may be taken by valuation at the option of the Tenant.

Apply to Mr. James Saunders, Jr. Solr. Foulsham.
Norfolk Chronicle - 22nd, & 29th July, 5th & 12th September 1837

To Journeymen Millers
WANTED
A steady Active MAN to conduct a Concern for the Proprietor.
Apply to Mr. Jas. Saunders, Jnr. Foulsham.

Norfolk Chronicle - 29th August 1840

To Millers, Bakers & others
To be Sold by Auction by J. Colman on Wednesday September 9, 1840
A Capital MILLER'S VAN ... Bakers & Millers Requisites ...
of Mr. T. Burton.
Sale to commennce at 1 o'c.
Norfolk Chronicle - 5th September 1840


Tithe map 1841
Tithe map 1841 - as redrawn by Harry Apling

Tithe Award, 1841
Map, John Wright, Surveyor, Foulsham
Owner: James Saunders
Occupier: John Burton

No. 452
No. 453

House & Garden
Mill & Yard

0a. 0r. 33p.
0a. 1r. 17p.
---------------
2r. 10p.

 



2/-


FOULSHAM
To Journeymen Millers
WANTED
A steady active YOUNG MAN. Such only as can be well recommended need apply.
Apply to Mr. Jas. Saunders, Jr. Foulsham Mill.
Norfolk Chronicle - 5th June 1841


To Journeymen Millers
WANTED
A steady experienced STONEMAN to take the management of the concern & such only as can be highly recommended need apply.
Apply to Mr. James Saunders, Jnr. Foulsham Mill.
A set of Two horse power Horse works complete to be sold cheap. Apply as above.
Norfolk Chronicle & Norwich Gazette - 31st October 1846


To Engine Drivers & Millers
WANTED
A Young Man to take charge of a Steam
Engine in a Corn Mill.
Also a Journeyman Miller as Flour Dresser.
Apply to Jas. Saunders, Jnr. Foulsham Mill.
Norfolk Chronicle - 4th September 1847


The Foulsham Mill
To Millers & Bakers
To be Let with Immediate Possession
The capital TOWER WIND & STEAM CORN MILL, Dwelling house, Baking office & Premises situate at Foulsham in the county of Norfolk. The Wind Mill is fitted with Iron Shafts, Patent Sails & very superior Machinery driving three pair of stones, two Flour mills, Sifter, Jumper, smut machine & every requisite on six floors with Granary & buildings attached.
Steam Engine driving separate stones & machinery …
Dwelling house … Outbuildings, Garden & Orchard adjoining. The Baking office with flour chamber over adjoining & communicates with the Dwelling house.
The above Property is situate in the centre of the town of Foulsham & in a good wheat district & an extensive business has been carried on therein by the present occupier who is removing to a distant part of the country. The Wells & Dereham branch of the Norfolk Railway, now constructing, will pass within 2 miles of the property & afford great facilities in the carriage of flour, corn & coals.

Apply to Mr. James Saunders, Jnr. Solr. Foulsham.
Norfolk Chronicle - 26th September, 3rd & 10th September 1848

Miller - Wanted, a General Hand
Apply personally at Foulsham Mill.
Norfolk News - 5th January 1861


Miller wanted
A steady, active, inteligent Man, a good STONEMAN & to take the entire Management of the Mill.
Apply personally at Foulsham Mill.
Norfolk News - 23rd & 30th November 1861


To Journeymen Millers
WANTED, a FLOUR DRESSER & GENERAL HAND in the MILL.
Apply personally at Foulsham Mill.

Norfolk News - 4th October 1862

Foulsham
Wind & Steam Mills, Baking Office etc.
TO BE LET
A CAPITAL TOWER WINDMILL driving three pairs of Stones, Steam Mill attached with two pairs of Stones, all requisite machinery driven by either power. Granaries, Dwelling house, Stabling, well accustomed & situated Baking Office & several pieces of Land; situate about 4 miles from a Station on the Great Eastern Railway in a good wheat district & populous neighborhood & within an easy distance from the Fakenham & East Dereham corn markets. Early possession can be had. Rent & terms moderate.

Apply to Mr. James Saunders, Solicitor, Foulsham.
Norfolk News - 28th February, 14th & 28th March 1863

Wind & Steam Mills, Baking Office, Land etc.
TO BE LET
A CAPITAL TOWER WINDMILL driving three pairs of stones, STEAM MILL attached with two pairs of stones, all requisite machinery driven by either power; Granaries, Dwelling house, Stabling, well accustomed & situated Baking office (all in the most perfect state of repair) & several pieces of LAND at Foulsham, about 4 miles from the Elmham Station of the Great Eastern Railway, in a good wheat district & populous neighborhood & within easy distance of Fakenham & East Dereham corn markets.
Rent & terms moderate. A good reason can be given by the proprietor for relinquishing the occupation.

Apply to Mr. James Saunders, Solicitor, Foulsham.
Norfolk News - 29th August, 5th & 12th September 1863

1911 c.1911
1911
Mill working - c.1911

TO BE LET With Early Possession
A CAPITAL TOWER WINDMILL in perfect repair with Baking Office, Dwelling house & several pieces of land.
Apply to Mr. James Saunders, Solicitor, Foulsham, Thetford.

Norfolk News - 5th March 1864

FOULSHAM MILL
To be Let
A CAPITAL & powerful TOWER WINDMILL with Granaries, Dwelling House, well accustomed Baking Office & premises all in the most perfect state of repair & several Pieces of Land.
Apply to Mr. James Saunders, Solicitor, Foulsham.
Norfolk News - 27th August, 3rd, 17th & 4th September, 1st & 8th October & 5th November 1864


Situations Vacant
To Millers
Wanted immediately, a thoroughly Practical Man in the above business.
Apply Foulsham Mill, Thetford.
Norfolk News - 19th August 1865


Situations Vacant
To Millers
WANTED, a thoroughly competent MAN to take charge of a Windmill.
Apply Foulsham Mill, Guist.
Norfolk News - 25th August 1866


Situations Vacant
To Millers
WANTED immediately, am experienced Man to take charge of a BAKER'S BUSINESS.
Apply Foulsham Mill, Guist.
Norfolk News - 6th April 1867


FOULSHAM MILL
To be let with possession at Michaelmas next
A capital & powerful Brick TOWER WIND CORN MILL driving three pairs of Stones, with large Granaries, Dwelling house, well accustomed Baking Office & convenient Premises, all in good repair, & several pieces of Land situate at Foulsham in Norfolk.
Apply
to Mr. James Saunders, Solr. East Dereham & Foulsham.
Norfolk Chronicle - 21st June 1873
Previously advertised weekly from 17th May 1873 without stating locality


FOULSHAM MILL
To be let with possession at Michaelmas next
A capital & powerful Brick TOWER WIND CORN MILL driving three pairs of Stones, with large Granaries, Dwelling house, well accustomed Baking Office & convenient Premises, all in good repair, & several pieces of Land situate at Foulsham in Norfolk.
As now in the occupation of Mr. William Mitchell, whose lease expires on 11th October next.
Apply to Mr. James Saunders, Solr. East Dereham & Foulsham.
Norfolk Chronicle - 28th June weekly to 30th August 1873
Also Norfolk News & Lynn Advertiser 5th July, then weekly to 30th August 1873


Foulsham
Preliminary Announcement
The following Property will be offered for Sale by Auction on the day & at the place to be stated in next week’s advertisement* when further particulars will appear.
The brick-tower WINDMILL with Patent Sails, three pairs of stones, Granaries & Buildings in the occupation of Mr. A.N. Ireland.
The ten horse power high pressure, expansive & condensing STEAM ENGINE by eminent London makers, with boiler, stone foundation & very complete fittings.
Two Pairs of Four feet French Burr MILLSTONES with gearing, shafting & very superior fittings.
The Vendor is prepared to treat for the Sale of any part of the above by Private Treaty on application to
James Saunders,

Solicitor, East Dereham.
Norfolk Chronicle - 11th August 1873

Foulsham
Messrs. Ireland have received instructions to offer for Sale by Public Auction at the Ship Inn, Foulsham on Monday 26 September instant at 5 for 6 o’c, the following valuable & desirable Property.
Lot 1. The capital Brick built TOWER WINDMILL with Patent Sails, six Floors, three Pairs of French Stones, Dressing Mills, Pastry with three floors, large Granary or Storehouse, Engine & Boiler houses, all adjoining & communicating & Outbuildings & Brick built Dwelling House with well accustomed Baking Office, stables, Cart houses, Store & other Outbuildings.
The Mill Machinery & Buildings are all in substantial repair & effective working order.
A successful trade has been carried on on the premises by the present tenant whose lease expires on the 11 th October next.
Lot 2. A first class fixed 10 horse power high pressure expansive & condensing STEAM ENGINE by eminent London makers, with two other Pairs of Four feet French Stones, Gearing, Fittings, Shafting, Drums etc. attached thereto.
Lots 3 & 4. Land, houses etc.
All the above Property is situate in the parish of Foulsham & within a short distance of the Foulsham Station of the Great Eastern Railway Extension to North Elmham, now in course of erection.
Particulars in future advertisements, from Messrs. Ireland, Guestwick & Norwich.
& James Saunders,
Solr. Foulsham & East Dereham.

Norfolk Chronicle - 3rd, 10th & 24th September 1881
Lynn Advertiser - 3rd, 10th, 17th & 24th September 1881

To Millers & Users of Steam Power
To be SOLD, a first class fixed 10 horse power STEAM ENGINE with Boiler & all Fittings; two pairs of 4 ft. French Mill stones & Machinery attached thereto & to the Steam Engine.
To be removed.
Particulars of Mr. Saunders, Solr. East Dereham & Foulsham.

Norfolk Chronicle - 1st & 8th October 1881

To Millers & Users of Steam Power
To be SOLD, a first class fixed 10 horse power STEAM ENGINE with Boiler & all Fittings; two pairs of 4 ft. French Mill stones & Machinery attached thereto & to the Steam Engine.
Cheap. To be removed.
Particulars of Mr. Saunders, Solr. East Dereham & Foulsham.

Norfolk Chronicle - 19th November & Lynn Advertiser 8th October & 5th November 1881

To Millers, Merchants & Bakers
To be Let with possession at Michaelmas, the TOWER WIND CORN MILL with large Granary & Storage at Foulsham, together with a Dwelling house & a well accustomed Baking Office, Farm Buildings & 5a.1r.1p of Excellent LAND.
Particulars of Mr. James Saunders, Solr. East Dereham & Foulsham.

Norfolk Chronicle - 1st & 8th October & Lynn Advertiser 8th October 1881

To Millers & Merchants
To be Let with immediate possession, the TOWER WIND CORN MILL at Foulsham, with three pairs of French Stones, six Floors, large Granaries & Storeage, Farm Buildings & 5a.1r.1p. of excellent Land. The Property is situate within a short distance of the Foulsham Station of the Great Eastern Railway which is expected to be opened for traffic at an early date.
Apply to Mr. Saunders, Solr. East Dereham.

Norfolk Chronicle - 19th November 1881

Foulsham, Norfolk
Messrs. Ireland
Are favoured with instructions from Jas. Saunders, Esq. To Sell by Auction on Tuesday May 16, 1882
… 10 horse power Steam Engine, two pairs of 4ft. French Mill stones … & various other miscellaneous effects in & about the Mill & premises at Foulsham.
Railway communication is now open to Foulsham by both the Great Eastern & Lynn & Fakenham Railways.
Descriptive catalogues may be obtained of James Saunders, Esq. East Dereham & of the Auctioneers, Guestwick & 5 Bank Plain, Norwich.

Lynn Advertiser - 6th May 1882

Foulsham
Within a short distance of stations on the Great Eastern & Midland & Eastern Railways giving direct communication with Norwich & the North.
To be SOLD, together or in separate parcels
2. The capital Brick TOWER WIND MILL with six Floors, three pairs of French Burr Stones, Granaries, Store house & all requisite Machinery & Boiler & Engine houses.
3. A superior 10 horse power, completely fitted, high pressure, expansive & condensing STEAM ENGINE by first class London makers.
4. Two pairs of French Burr STONES with gearing, superior fittings & machinery.
5. DWELLING HOUSE, BAKING OFFICE etc.
Further particulars of Mr. Saunders, Solr. East Dereham.

Norfolk Chronicle - 17th & 24th March 1883

Foulsham
With direct communication with Norwich & the North from the Foulsham Great Eastern Station & the Station on the Midland & Eastern Railway
TO BE LET OR SOLD WITH IMMEDIATE POSSESSION
The excellent Brick built Family RESIDENCE with requisite Offices & every convenience, large Gardens, Stables, Coach house & Outbuildings. The TOWER WIND CORN MILL, LAND, with Barn & Stables, dwelling houses, Baking Office, Cottages, Orchard & Buildings as advertised in this paper on the 24th March, are still for Sale by Private Treaty.
Apply to Mr. Saunders, Solr. East Dereham.

Norfolk Chronicle - 7th April 1883

Foulsham
Preliminary Announcement
The following Property will be offered for Sale by Auction on the day & at the place to be stated in next week’s advertisement when further particulars will appear.
The brick-tower WINDMILL with Patent Sails, three pairs of stones, Granaries & Buildings in the occupation of Mr. A.N. Ireland.
The ten horse power high pressure, expansive & condensing STEAM ENGINE by eminent London makers, with boiler, stone foundation & very complete fittings.
Two Pairs of Four feet French Burr MILLSTONES with gearing, shafting & very superior fittings.
The Vendor is prepared to treat for the Sale of any part of the above by Private Treaty on application to
James Saunders,

Solicitor, East Dereham
Norfolk Chronicle - 11th August 1883


Foulsham
Preliminary Announcement
The following Property will be offered for Sale by Auction on the day & at the place to be stated in future advertisements when further particulars will appear.
The brick-tower WINDMILL with Patent Sails, three pairs of stones, Granaries & Buildings in the occupation of Mr. A.N. Ireland.
The ten horse power high pressure, expansive & condensing STEAM ENGINE by eminent London makers, with boiler, stone foundation & very complete fittings.

Two Pairs of Four feet French Burr MILLSTONES with gearing, shafting & very superior fittings. The Vendor is prepared to treat for the Sale of any part of the above by Private Treaty on application to
James Saunders,

Solicitor, East Dereham
Norfolk Chronicle - 18th & 25th August 1883


FOULSHAM

Messrs. IRELANDS have received instructions to Sell by Auction on Thursday 27 September 1883 at 3 for 4 o’clock in the afternoon, at the Ship Inn, Foulsham, the undermentioned desirable and valuable PROPERTY in the following or such Lots as may be determined upon at the time of sale.

Lot 6. The Capital Brick Tower Wind CORN MILL with six floors, Patent Sails, three pairs French buhr Mill Stones, Granaries, Store house and all requisite Machinery and Boiler and Engine houses.

Lot 7. A superior 10 horse power completely fitted, high pressure, expansive and condensing STEAM ENGINE by first class London makers, with Boiler and all fittings.

Lot 8. Two pairs of excellent French Buhr MILL STONES with Shafting, Gearing, superior Fittings and Machinery.

Particulars of the Auctioneers, Guestwick and Norwich,
Or of Mr. Saunders,
Solicitor, East Dereham

Norfolk Chronicle & Lynn Advertiser - 15th & 22nd September 1883

Dereham & Fakenham Times - 29th June 1912
Dereham & Fakenham Times - 29th June 1912

After the fire 21st June 1912 After the fire 21st June 1912
After the fire 21st June 1912

Closeup of boys from photo above right 1912
Closeup of boys from photo above right 1912

Over 100 years old. A fire in 1912 brought the sails down with a tremendous crash.
Eastern Daily Press - 13th December 1926
(shown with photo at top of this page)


23rd May 1979
23rd May 1979

Saunders – On Friday, November 30th peacefully, at St. Michael’s Hospital, Aylsham, LESLIE, of Hill House, Market Square, Foulsham, dearly-loved husband of Joan and much-loved father of Virginia and Richard and father-in-law of Alan and a dear grandfather of Rebecca, Emma and James, aged 82 years. (Funeral service to be held at Holy Innocents’ Church, Foulsham, on Thursday December 6th, at 11 a.m. cut flowers only, or donations, if desired, for Holy Innocents’ Church, Foulsham, may be sent c/o Hendry & Sons, Funeral Directors, Station Road, Foulsham, please.)
Eastern Daily Press - December 1984


1990
1990

c.1995
c.1995

By 1979 the mill had been reduced to 3 storeys and a slate roof had been added. The steam mill had been demolished by 1986 and by the 1990s the tower had become part of a modern dwelling.


13th February 2009 13th February 2009
13th February 2009

A postmill was once situated to the north of the village.


O. S. Map 1885
O. S. Map 1885
Courtesy of NLS map images

Bryant's map 1826: windmill

Pigot's 1830: William Scott, miller and baker

1835: Willam Scott, miller

White's 1836: William Scott jun, corn miller

August 1836: All stock in trade of William Scott advertised for auction under execution from the Sheriff

November 1836: Mill lease (269 yrs unexpired) advertised for sale along with bakehouse and 5hp steam engine

July 1837: Mill advertised to be let

O.S. map 1838: Windmill

Robson's directory 1839: Willam Scott, Corn Miller

1839: John Burton took over the running of the mill

September 1840: John Burton sold his
Miller's van and Baker's and Miller's Requisites

Tithe Award 1841: John Burton

September 1846: Mill advertised to be let

October 1846: Two horse dressing mill for sale cheap

Census 1851:

George Hutson (30) miller
Sarah Hutson (30)
George Hutson (5)
Address: Town Street


Kelly's 1854:

James Saunders, solicitor & miller, & agent to the Royal Farmers' fire, life & hail assurance

c.1860: James Saunders

February 1863: Mill advertised to be let

August 1863: Mill advertised to be let

March 1864: Mill advertised to be let

August - November 1864: Mill advertised to be let

1864: William Mitchell, miller & baker

June 1873: Mill advertised to be let

11th October 1873: William Mitchell's lease expired

1874: William Handcock, miller & baker

Kelly's 1879: William Handcock, miller & baker

August 1881: Mill advertised for sale by private contract or let

September 1881: Mill advertised for sale by auction

Michaelmas 1881: William Handcock's lease expired

October 1881: Mill advertised to be let

October 1881: 10 h.p. steam engine advertised for sale

May 1882: 10 h.p. steam engine advertised for sale by auction

White's 1883: Alfred George Gibbs, farmer & miller, The Old Hall

April 1883: M
ill advertised to be sold or let

1883: Mill occupied by A.N. Ireland but lease was held by James Saunders, now a solicitor in Dereham

March 1883: Mill advertised for sale by private treaty

August 1883: Mill advertised for sale by auction along with 10 h.p. steam engine

September 1883: Mill advertised for sale by auction along with 10 h.p. steam engine

1884-1888: George Bruce, miller

1890-1892: Samuel Goldsmith, miller (leaseholder). Also at Corpusty watermill and Corpusty White windmill

Census 1891:

Samuel Goldsmith (56) b.Guestwick, corn miller & coal merchant
Eliza Goldsmith (52) b.Wramplingham
Thomas Goldsmith (57) b.Guestwick, corn seedsman
Alice G. Bruce (29)  b.Corpusty (neice)

Kelly's 1892: Samuel Goldsmith, miller (wind) & merchant

1896-c.1910: Philip Bushell, farmer & miller

Kelly's 1896: Philip Bushell, miller (steam & wind)

Kelly's 1900: Philip Bushell, miller (steam & wind)

Kelly's 1904: Philip Bushell, miller (steam & wind) & farmer

Kelly's 1908: Philip Bushell, miller (steam & wind) & farmer

22nd April 1910: Philip Henry Bushell died aged 74 and was buried in Foulsham churchyard

Kelly's 1912: Herbert Henry Bushell, miller (steam & wind)

Friday 21st June 1912: Mill destroyed by fire

Kelly's 1916: Herbert Henry Bushell, miller (steam)

Kelly's 1922: Herbert Henry Bushell, miller (steam)

Kelly's 1925: Herbert Henry Bushell, miller (steam)

Kelly's 1929: Herbert Henry Bushell, miller (oil)

1929: Milling by oil engine reported to have ceased

Kelly's 1933: Herbert Henry Bushell, miller (oil)

Kelly's 1937: Herbert Henry Bushell, miller (oil)

1977: Leslie Saunders, Hill House

30th November 1984: Leslie Saunders died

1979: Mill had been reduced by 3 floors leaving a 28 foot tower with a conical roof

1986: J.G. Watson & Mrs. Watson (née Bushell) Mill House, High St., Foulsham

1986: Mill tower belonging to two ladies living in London who have shown no interest in it

1990: Private residence

1995: Private residence


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 TG03272482
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Copyright © Jonathan Neville 2004