Hingham Deopham Road towermill was a four storey mill built c.1840 for John Lane after he had sold the earlier postmill that had been on the site for many years. The mill stood near the south west corner of the pond at Hingham_watermill and the two mills were always worked together. In 1845 and 1859 the mill was advertised as being powered by 2 common sails and 2 patent sails but by 1864 it was using 4 patent sails to drive 2 pairs of French burr stones.

The postmill was bought by millwright, Robert Gilbert, who quite possibly was responsible for building the new towermill for the Lane family. He took the postmill to Banham and erected it on the base of an old towermill, where it became known as Banham_composite_mill.

Scratched on a pane in the living room door of the Mill House is the inscription:

Tithe Award 1842
Map 1841
Owner: John Lane
Occupier: do

To Millers & others
To be Sold by Auction by Mr. S. LOCK at the White Hart Inn at Hingham on Tuesday 29 July 1845 at 5 o'c (unless sooner disposed of by; Private Contract) The following very Desirable PROPERTY.
Lot 1. A Messuage at Hingham with the Barn, Stables & other Outbuildings, Yards, Gardens & old established & well accustomed Water Mill with two pairs of French Stones & Flour Mill & a newly erected brick Tower Windmill with two pairs of French Stones & Flour Mill & two Spring Sails and two Common Sails nearly new, with all other requisite Machinery, Going Gears, Wheels & Fixtures in the Water Mill & Windmill in good condition … & also 5a. 2r. 4p. of capital Pasture & Meadow Ground thereto adjoining & belonging. The Water_Mill is supplied by abundant Springs arising in the Property & are situated so as to give a fall of 16 feet & afford a nearly equal supply of water both Summer & Winter. The property is situated in a fine Corn Country one mile from the Market Town of Hingham, five miles from Wymondham & five miles from Attleburgh & is most desirable Property either for Investment or Occupation & is only subject to the following Annual Outgoings

The above Estates are all Freehold & are in the occupation of Mr. John LANE & Possession thereof may be had at Michaelmas next. Part of the Purchase Money may if required remain on Mortgage of each Lot.
Apply to Mr. ALEXANDER, Solr. Hingham, to Mr. S. LOCK, the Auctioneer Barton Bendish near Stoke Ferry, to Mr. Andrew Lane, the Proprietor, Deopham or to Mr. John LANE the tenant of the Premises.
Norfolk Chronicle & Norwich Gazette - 5th, 12th & 19th July 1845

To be Sold by Private Contract
A First rate new built & well situated WATER_CORN_MILL with a substantial new built Dwelling house, Barn, stable, Waggon Lodge & other Outbuildings, Yards & Gardens
Also within a short distance of the Dwelling house & Water mill a capital new built brick tower Windmill with four floors standing in an excellent situation for wind, driving two pair of French Stones, winding herself & having 2 common & 2 patent spring sails, flour mill & going gears in good repair & attached are four pieces of capital meadow & pasture Land containing together 6a.2r.17p.
The Water mill …
The whole Estate is Freehold & is in the occupation of Mr. John Lane who will give immediate possession.
Apply to W. Alexander, Solr. Hingham.
Norfolk Chronicle & Norwich Gazette - 20th & 27th May 1848

Hingham Water Mill & Wind Mill
To be Sold by Auction by Mr. Geo. W. Salter
At the White Hart Inn, at Hingham, on Tuesday 1 August 1848 at 4 o’c
Without the slightest reserve
A First rate … (details as advertisement of 20 & 27 May)The Mills are capable of manufacturing upon an average six lasts of corn weekly.
Possession at Michaelmas next.
Apply to W. Alexander, Solr. Hingham or Mr. Salter, Auctioneer, Attleburgh.
Norfolk Chronicle & Norwich Gazette - 8th, 15th & 29th July 1848

To Millers & others
Newly erected MESSUAGE, WATER & WIND CORN MILLS at HINGHAM, Norfolk, Mr. George W. SALTER Begs most respectfully to announce that he has been favoured with instructions to offer for Sale by Auction at the Cock Inn, Attleborough on Thursday 14 October next at 4 o'c One of the best & most desirable MILL properties in the County comprising a first rate new built & well situated WATER CORN MILL at Hingham in Norfolk, with a substantially built new & genteel Residence with excellent Barn, Stable, Waggon Lodge & other Outbuildings, Yards & Garden.
The Mill is situated in a rich corn district, one mile from the Market town of Hingham & five from those of Attleborough & Wymondham at both of which there are stations of the Norfolk Railway…
Also within a short distance of the Water Mill a capital & substantial New Built Brick Tower Windmill with four floors, standing in an excellent situation for wind, driving two pair of French Stones, winding herself & having 2 common & 2 patent spring sails, flour mill & going gears in good repair; & attached to it 4 pieces of capital Meadow & Pasture Ground containing together 6a. 2r. 17p. or thereabouts.
The whole Estate is Freehold & is in the occupation of Mr. John LANE who will give immediate possession. The yearly Outgoings are as under

Particulars of Mr. COCKELL, Solr. Attleburgh, Mr. ALEXANDER, Solr. Hingham, Mr. Richard BURCH, East Dereham, Mr. John LANE upon the Premises, at the Royal Hotel, Norwich & at Mr. George W. SALTER's Auctioneer & Land agent offices, the Leys, Attleburgh.
Norfolk Chronicle - 23rd September and 2nd & 9th October 1847

Situations Vacant
To Journeymen Millers
WANTED, a married Man between 30 & 40 years of age to work a Small Water Mill & Windmill. One accustomed to bag work would be preferred, good character indespensable.
Apply to Mr. W. Bowles, Hingham Mills.
Norfolk News - 10th October 1857

Hingham Mills
To be sold by Auction by Mr. John Eaton at the White Hart Inn at Hingham on Thursday 30 June 1859 at 4 o’c without reserve
By Order of the Mortgagees thereof under a Power of Sale
A new-built WATER_CORNMILL with a new-built Dwelling House, Barn, Stables, Waggon Lodge & other Outbuildings, yards & Garden. Also within a short distance of the Dwelling House & Water Mill a new-built brick TOWER WINDMILL with four floors, standing in a good position for wind & having two common & two patent spring sails, Flour Mill & going gears in good repair.
The Water Mill contains four floors & has been recently fitted up with a superior cast iron water wheel, two pairs of French Stones, flour mill & jumper & all other requisite machinery & going gears all of which are in perfect condition.
And attached are four pieces of Arable, Meadow & Pasture Land containing together 6a.2r.17p.
The Estate is all freehold & is in the occupation of Mr. William Bowles & possession thereof will be given on the 11 th day of October next.
Apply to Mr. Alexander, Solr. Hingham or the Auctioneer, Attleburgh.
Norfolk Chronicle & Norfolk News - 28th May, 4th, 11th & 25th June 1859

Hingham Water & Wind Mills
To be let on lease for a term of years
A neat Dwelling house & a WATER_CORN_MILL & a BRICK TOWER WINDMILL standing in an excellent situation for wind, each of them driving two pair of French stones, with a Barn, Stables, cow house, Piggeries, Waggon lodge & other convenient Outbuildings, Yards & Garden & four pieces of capital Meadow & Pasture Land containing together 6a.2r.17p.
The Mills have just undergone a complete state of repair (as well as all other Premises) & they are situate in a rich corn district within one mile of the town of Hingham & five from the Railway Stations of Attleborough & Wymondham.
The above are now & have been during the last eleven years in the occupation of Mr. William Bowles, the Proprietor, who will give Possession at Michaelmas next, he having purchased a Farm at a distance & intending to occupy it himself.
Apply to Mr. Bowles, Miller, Hingham, or to Mr. D. Alexander, Solr., Hingham.
Norfolk News - 5th July 1862

To Millers
WANTED immediately, a steady active Man, one who understands his Business & can be recommended by his last Employer.
Apply to W. Bowles, Hingham.
Norfolk Chronicle & Norfolk News - 26th July & 12th August 1862

William Bowles eventually moved to Sheffield where he traded as a hay, corn & straw merchant.

Situations Vacant
To Journeymen Millers
WANTED, a married Man about 30 years of age who can be well recommended from his late employer.
Apply to Mr. Greenacre, Hingham Mills.
Norfolk News - 24th September 1864

Situations Vacant
To CARTERS
WANTED, a strong active Married Man as a CARTER & occasionally to work on the Land, about 30 years of age. Good character & reference indespensable.
Apply to Mr. Greenacre, Hingham Mills.
Norfolk News - 18th February 1865

Situations Vacant
To Millers & Carters
WANTED, a trustworthy Man for a WIND & WATER MILL. Must be well recommended & have three years character from last employer. Also a CARTER with same recommendations.
Apply to G. H., Post Office, Hingham.
Norfolk News - 13th April 1867

Situations Vacant
To Millers
WANTED, a strong active Married Man as UNDER MILLER; one willing to make himself generally useful. A written character from last employer required.
Apply to George Greenacre, Hingham Mills.
Norfolk News - 21st September 1867

Situations Vacant
To Millers
WANTED, a Married Man to assist in the MILL & do other work when required. Good character from last employer.
Apply to G. Greenacre, Hingham Mills, Attleborough.
Norfolk News - 7th November 1868

Hingham
Wind & Water Mill
To Let for a Term of Years
A NEAT DWELLING HOUSE, a WATER_CORN MILL & a BRICK TOWER WIND-MILL standing in an excellent situation for wind, each of them driving two pairs of French Stones, with a Barn, Stables, cowhouse, Piggeries Wagon Lodge & other convenient Outbuildings, Yards & Garden & four pieces of capital MEADOW & ARABLE LAND containing altogether about 6a.2r.17p. the Mills have lately undergone a complete state of repair & they are situated in a rich corn district within one mile of the town of Hingham & five from the railway stations of Attleborough & Wymondham.
The above are now & have been during the last eight years in the occupation of Mr. G. Greenacre, who is now doing a good trade at the above Mills.
Norfolk News - 9th & 16th July, 10th & 17th September 1870

Preliminary Notice
Salter & Simpson are instructed to offer for Sale during the ensuing month the following valuable Properties.
Hingham
Freehold WATER & WIND MILLS in excellent order & full Trade, with nearly 7 Acres of capital Meadow & Pasture LAND, now in the occupation of Mr. Robert Atmore.
Particulars of Mr. F. Fox, Solr. Norwich or the Auctioneers, Attleborough.
Norfolk Chronicle - 22nd July & 5th August 1876

On Thursday next. Desirable Mercantile Property At Hingham
Salter & Simpson are favoured with instructions from Mr. William Bowles to Sell by Auction at the New Inn Hotel, Attleborough, on Thursday August 24, 1876 at 3 for 4 o’c
The Freehold WATER & WIND Mills, well situated for wind & water, each driving two pair of French Stones & fitted with all the necessary gears. Also a convenient Brick & Tiled Dwelling House with Garden, Orchard, Barn, Stable, Waggon Lodge & other Outbuildings & two pieces of excellent Arable LAND containing in all about 6a.2r.17p.
This property, in which a good trade has for many years been carried on, is occupied by Mr. Robert Atmore under an agreement expiring Michaelmas 1878 at an annual rent of £80.
Further particulars of Mr. Fred. Fox, Solr. Surrey Street, Norwich or the Auctioneers, Attleborough.
Norfolk Chronicle & Lynn Advertiser - 19th August 1876

To Millers
HINGHAM
To Let. With Possession at Michaelmas next
Capital WATER & Brick Tower WIND MILLS with convenient Dwelling house, Garden & all requisite Outbuildings, now in full Trade. Known as "Hingham Mills". Also two productive Inclosures of Arable LAND containing nearly 7 acres, all now in the the occupation of Mr. R. Atmore.
Apply to Messrs. Spelman, Auctioneers or Mr. Fred Fox, Solr., Norwich.
Norfolk Chronicle - 8th & 15th June 1878

The Freehold WATER & WIND MILLS with dwelling House, Barn, stabling & Outbuildings & Two pieces of Arable LAND containing in all 6a.2r.17p. in the occupation of Mr. Richard (sic) Atmore, which Salter & Simpson are favoured with instructions from Mr. William Bowles to Sell by Auction at the New Inn Hotel, Attleborough on Thursday August 24, 1878 (instead of Thursday August 17, as previously advertised) at 3 for 4 o’c
Particulars of Mr. Fred. Fox, Solr. Surrey Court, Norwich, or the Auctioneers, Attleborough.
Norfolk Chronicle - 12th August 1878

HINGHAM
TO LET, the WINDMILL & WATER MILL with DWELLING HOUSE & about seven acres of Land, situate at Hingham in Norfolk, now in the occupation of Mr. Robert Atmore.
Apply to Mr. Atmore at the Mill.
Norfolk Chronicle - 4th, 11th & 18th September 1880

Hingham Mills
To be Sold by Auction By
Messrs. Standley & Sons on Thursday December 30, 1880
All the Live & Dead FARMING STOCK, Mill carts, Neat & Modern HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE, & Effects of Mr. Robt. Atmore who is leaving England.
Sale to commence at 11 o’c.
Particulars in Catalogues to be had of the Auctioneers, Wymondham.
Norfolk Chronicle - 18th & 25th December 1880

Hingham
TO BE LET With immediate possession, the HINGHAM WATER & WIND MILLS with convenient Dwelling house, Stables, Yards & Buildings & two Pieces of Arable LAND containing about 6a.2r.0p. now in the occupation of Mr. Robert Atmore, who is leaving the Country.
Apply to Messrs. Salter & Simpson, Auctioneers & Valuers, Attleborough.
Norfolk Chronicle - 1st January 1881

Hingham, Norfolk
FOR SALE BY PRIVATE CONTRACT
The old established Mills known as “Hingham Mills” containing Wind & Water Power (to which steam can easily be adapted) situate a mile from the Town, comprising Dwelling House with all requisite Outbuildings & about 6 acres of Garden & useful Land.
Possession at Lady.
Apply to Messrs. Salter & Simpson, Attleborough or Mr. Fred. Fox.
Norfolk Chronicle - 14th & 21st January 1882

To Millers, Merchants & Others
Hingham
Salter & Simpson are favoured with instructions to Sell by Auction at the White Hart Hotel, at Hingham. On Tuesday April 25, 1822 at 5 for 6 o’c
The capital Freehold WATER & Brick Tower WIND MILLS with convenient DWELLING HOUSE & Garden, Barn, Stable, Cow shed, Piggery, Waggon lodge & other offices.
Also two Inclosures of Arable LAND containing in all about 6a. 2r. 17p. adjoining property of the Earl of Kimberley & Mr. P. Pitts & late in the occupation of Mr. S. Sharpin.
Immediate possession may be had.
Particulars of the Auctioneers, Attleborough or of F. Fox, Esq. Vendor’s Solr. Norwich.
Norfolk Chronicle - 8th & 22nd April 1882

William Samuel Barber, b.1837 worked as a miller or journeyman miller at several mills:
1861 at Eye, Suffolk;
1871 at Gissing_postmill;
1878-79 at Carlton Rode towermill;
1881-1883 at Rockland St Andrew postmill
1891-1904 at Hingham.
As the windmill ceased working in 1902, William probably then continued working at the watermill.
William Samuel's step son Robert John Watling was recorded as miller (employee) from 1904 until 1908.
William's father Samuel Barber worked at Scole towermill from 1845 - 1864.

Local Bankrupts
Riches, Henry, Hingham, Miller
Norfolk Chronicle - 19th March 1892

Norwich Bankruptcy Court, April 25.
Re H. Riches, Hingham.
The debtor, Henry Riches, miller, Hingham, showed liabilities £116. 6/6 & in reply to the official receiver, he said that he had learned that his assets had realised £230. the fact was that he had become surety for £100 for some one & he had not that amount, so he was advised to file his petition. Mr. Gould remarked that Riches was worth more than now than he was when he commenced business. (Laughter) Riches asked when he could have his discharge & to his apparent satisfaction, he was informed that he did not need one.
Norfolk Chronicle - 30th April 1892

Norfolk Quarter Sessions
Robert THURSTON, miller's labourer, charged with embezzlling money of Lewis George POTTER, miller of Hingham.
Guilty. 4 months hard labour
Dereham & Fakenham Times - 8th January 1910

Hingham Miller sued
A Cart Transaction
At the same Court (Wymondham County Court, Tuesday 13th)
Willie Gordon SMITH, Wheelwright and carpenter of Hingham sued Lewis George POTTER, Miller of Hingham, for a new mill cart delivered and taking in old cart as agreed and a new lamp and fixing to cart.
.... disputes ....
Dereham & Fakenham Times - 17th January 1914
Defendant lost

Mound at watermill on opposite side of millpond to mill say 60/70 ft. long by 40 ft. wide and up to 10 ft.high, overgrown with trees and nettles on loose earth, but top covered with brick & mortar rubble. Remains of tower mill site on mound for old post mill?
Harry Apling - c.1982

Hingham mill & house, Grade II listed and with 2.23 acres was advertised for sale during October 1998 in the Eastern Daily Press with a guide price of £400,000.

c.1840: Mill built for John Lane, miller to replace an earlier postmill on the same site

Tithe Award 1842: John Lane, owner & occupier (towermill & watermill)

White's 1845: Andrew Lane, miller & baker

July 1845: Mill advertised for sale by auction

1846: John Lane, miller

September 1847: Mill advertised for sale by auction. Owner: Andrew Lane; occupier: John Lane, miller

May 1848: Mill advertised for sale by private contract along with the watermill

1848: John Lane, miller

1850: Andrew Lane, miller

1853: William Bowles, miller (previously at Gt Ellingham postmill & Old Buckenham Wilby Warren postmill)

White's 1854: John Bowles, corn miller

1856: William Bowles, miller & farmer

1857: John Bowles, miller

May 1859: Mill advertised for sale by auction

1859: William Bowles, miller

July 1862: Mill advertised to be let as Wiliam Bowles intended to move to a newly purchased farm

1862: William Bowles, miller

1862: George Greenacre, miller

White's 1864: George Greenacre, miller & baker

1865: George Greenacre, miller

1870: George Greenacre, miller

July 1870: Mill advertised to be let along with the watermill

1870: Robert Atmore, miller

August 1876: Mill advertised for sale by auction along with the watermill on instructions from William Bowles

1880: Robert Atmore, miller

September 1880: Mill advertised to be let along with the watermill

December 1880: Mill advertised for sale by auction along with the watermill due to Robert Atmore emigrating

January 1881: Mill advertised to be let along with the watermill due to Robert Atmore leaving the country

1882: S. Sharpin, miller

January 1882: Mill advertised for sale by private contract along with the watermill

April 1882: Mill advertised for sale by auction along with the watermill

1883: S. Sharpin, miller

1883: Henry Riches, miller

1891-1904: William Samuel Barber, journeyman miller (employee)

Kelly's 1892: Henry Riches, farmer & miller (wind & water)

Kelly's 1896: Henry Riches, farmer & miller (wind, water & steam) & corn & flour merchant

Kelly's 1900: Henry Riches, farmer & miller (wind, water & steam) & corn & flour merchant

c.1902: Windmill ceased working

Kelly's 1904: Henry Riches, farmer & miller (water & steam) & corn & flour merchant

Kelly's 1908: Henry Riches, farmer & miller (water & steam) & corn & flour merchant

1910: George Lewis Potter, miller

1912: George Lewis Potter, miller (water & oil), farmer & corn & flour merchant

1914: George Lewis Potter, miller

1952: Mr. & Mrs. Leonard Gray

1982: Mrs. C. M. Richards, The Watermill, Deopham Road, Attleborough

c.1998: Mill, house and 5.3 acres advertised for sale by Jackson-Stops & Staff for around £650,000

October 1998: Eastern Daily Press carried an advert of the mill for sale at a guide price of £400,000

September 2004: Mill offered for sale by Strutt & Parker along with 6.29 acres at c.£795,000

Copyright © Jonathan Neville 2005