Gt Walsingham towermill was built by John Wright in 1852 although he had been a baker and flour dealer since 1845. During construction he inserted a tablet containing his initials and the date 1852 over the door on the ground floor. The tarred brick 6 storey mill was quite tall and had a distinctive domed cap and deep petticoat. A steam mill was built on the north side of the mill c.1873 and by 1895 a roller mill was also working on the south side of the mill.

Unusually for a large mill, the milling business remained in the one family for the entire working life of the mill. John Wright carried on the business he started until about 1872 when he was joined by his son George as a partner in the business of milling, baking and farming. George took over the business when his father died.

To BAKERS

On 24th March 1895 the mill's sails were torn off by a gale that severely damaged many windmills around the county. The sails were probably replaced but the roller mill certainly remained in full production.

Some time between 1900 and 1904 George was joined in the business by his two sons, Walter and Herbert and the three then worked in partnership until production ceased.

1852: Mill built by John Wright

c.1872: John Wright enters into partnership with his son George

24th March 1895: Gale tore of the mill's sails

Kelly's 1896: George Wright, miller, (steam roller, and wind), baker and farmer

Kelly's 1900: George Wright, miller, (steam roller, and wind), baker and farmer

1904: George Wright working in partnership with sons Walter and Herbert

1934: Sails removed but mill tower still complete with cap, gallery, petticoat and stage

c.1945: Top three floors removed although the cap had gone some time before

1981: Mill remains and surrounding site derelict

1984: Mill used as a store and the roller mill converted to residential use

2000: Grenwood Construction Ltd bought the mill, roller mill, steam engine house and granary

2004: Mill complex used as holiday lets with the mill sleeping up to 12 people

October 2004: Mill and roller mill offered for sale by Bidwells at a guide price of £575,000

Copyright © Jonathan Neville 2004