Loddon Mill Road post windmill stood immediately south of the junction of Mill Road and Pye's Mill Road, to the south of the River Chet. The mill was known by many as Pye's Mill, although no records have been found relating to anyone of that name owning or working the mill. A towermill had already been built earlier just to the southwest. The postmill buck was set on a tarred brick roundhouse and was turned to wind via an eight bladed fantail attached to the bottom of the ladder. The mill began life with common sails but in later days the two pairs of French burr stones were powered by four double shuttered sails with 6 bays of 3 shutters and a single bay of 2 shutters at the inner and outer extremities of each sail. In 1814 the mill was reported as having a joggering skreen.

Notice to Creditors & Debtors of
Estate of Mr. Wm Gower late of Loddon, Miller, deceased, accounts to Mrs. Ann Gower, Widow, & Administratrix.
Norfolk Chronicle - 3rd June 1797

All that small piece of land where on a Roundhouse and post-Windmill now stand containing by estimation 30 perches or thereabouts part of a triangular piece of land of the said Thomas Napp containing in the whole by estimation three roods and 38 perches lying and being in Loddon aforesaid which said small piece of land is bounded as follows (that is to say) by land formerly of Elizabeth Rayner widow and now of Sir Roger Kerrison Knight called The wind mill piece on the South by the Kings highway leading from Beccles to Norwich by Pyes mill on the North East and by the other land of the said Thomas Napp on the East and West as the said small piece of land is now staked or marked out by holes dug out for that purpose or however otherwise the said small piece of land was bounded sided or abuttled And all ways easements liberties privileges and appurtenances thereto belonging or appertaining..
16th March 1807

On Tuesday 20 October at the Swan in Loddon, Norfolk, between the hours of 4 & 5 in the afternoon, unless sooner disposed of by private contract.
All that PIECE of Freehold LAND containing by estimation thirty perches or thereabouts & an exceeding good POST WINDMILL thereon standing, with the bolting & flour machinery, wheels, going geers & appurtenances to the same belonging, in Loddon aforesaid, now in the occupation of Thomas Napp the younger.
Apply to Mr. Timothy Colman of Hardley, near Loddon or to Mr. Wm. Cole, Solr. Loddon.
Norfolk Chronicle - 3rd, 10th & 17th October 1807

Memorandum of an Agreement made this 13th day of July 1809 Between Timothy Coleman of Hardley in the County of Norfolk Farmer of the one part and Edward Quadling of Brampton in the County of Suffolk Wheelwright and James Quadling of Loddon in the said County of Norfolk Miller of the other part as follows viz

. All that small piece of land of him the said Timothy Coleman with the Roundhouse thereupon directed and built and upon which said piece of land the Wind Mill hereinafter mentioned stand, containing by estimation 30 perches or thereabouts, lately part of the triangular piece of land late of Thomas Napp the elder and now of Thomas Napp the younger lying and being in Loddon aforesaid with the appurtenances to the said piece of land belonging And also All that Post Wind Mill of him the said Timothy Coleman standing being upon the said piece of land together with all and singular the sails sail cloths stones bolting and flower Machinery wheels going geers bins tackle, large beam and scales, small beam and scales weights, weighing 20 stones and 10 pounds two iron irons, two hammers 19 sacks sack barrow, sack chain, stone rope flour scoup shovell three flour cloths seven stone dressing bills and other materials utensils implements and appurtenances to or with the said Mill now belonging used employed or enjoyed Which said land and premises are now in the use or occupation of the said Timothy Coleman or his tenements or assigns At and for the price or sum of £337 of lawful money of Great Britain £47 part of the said price or sum the said Edward Quadling hath this day paid to the said Timothy Coleman And for securing the payment of the sum of £290 the remaining part of the said purchase price upon the 13th day of July which will be in the Year of Our Lord 1812 with legal interest for the same payable by equal half yearly payments the said Edward Quadling agrees to execute and deliver to the said Timothy Coleman a conditional Bill of Sale of the said Wind Mill with the going gears things and appurtenances thereto belonging and hereinbefore mentioned and described in which said Bill of Sale is to be inserted the usual proviso and covenants And also a covenant by the said Edward Quadling that he is executors administrators or assigns shall and well within three calendar months from the date thereof put onto the said Mill two good and substantial new sails... And also that he or they during so long as the said sum of £290 and interest or any part thereof shall remain unpaid keep and maintain the said Mill with the going gears things and appurtenances thereto belonging in good and tenant of all repair and condition And that in case he or they shall neglects or refuse to put on the said new sails will repair the said Mill and premises after to calendar months notice in writing for that purpose Then that the said Timothy Coleman his executors administrators and assigns may enter and enjoy the said Mill and premises And the said Edward Quadling and James Quadling agree for the better securing the payment of the said sum of £290 and interest as aforesaid to execute and declare unto the said Timothy Coleman a Bond in a sufficient penalty Conditions for the payment of the same some and interest as aforesaid and which said securities the said Timothy Coleman agrees to accept

the document continues with who is going to pay the bill etc.
All three men signed the document and the witness was William Cole
Mill House deeds - 13th July 1809

The above document includes a covenant that requires Edward Quadling to install two new sails within three months.

Bill of Sale under the hand and seal of the said Timothy Colman whereby the said Timothy Colman in consideration of £296 to him then paid by Edward Quadling of Brampton in the County of Suffolk Wheelwright as therein mentioned did grant bargain sell assign transfer and set over and deliver up unto the said Edward Quadling his executors administrators and assigns All that Windmill of him the said Timothy Colman standing and being upon a small triangular piece of land in Loddon in the said County of Norfolk together with all and singular the sails sailcloth's stone bolts and flour machinery wheels going gears bins tackle and other the materials utensils implements and appurtenances whatsoever to or with the said Mill then belonging used employed or enjoyed (except the Roundhouse under the same)
Mill House deeds - 10th October 1809

The above sale document is unusual in that it states the mill is to be sold but the roundhouse on which the mill sits and the mill site land were not to be included.

Deeds of the mill 1st & 2nd May 1811 - Lease for 1 year, Release & Appointment & Bargain & Sale mention the land to the immediate south -
. . . Land formerly of the said Elizabeth Rayner late of the said Sir Roger Kerrison and now of the said John Gilbert called the Mill Piece on the South.

The above shows that Rev. John Gilbert had either bought the land to the south along with the towermill after the 1808 auction or had used purchaser A. Taylor as an agent.

To be Sold by Auction By J. Sharpe & Son At the Star Inn, Norwich On Saturday April 16, 1814 at 4 o'c
A Substantial & well constructed WINDMILL with two pair of French stones & going gears, now in full trade, now in the occupation of Mr. Hayes of Loddon who is changing his situation.
Possession may be had immediately.
Particulars in future papers.
Norfolk Chronicle - 2nd & 9th April 1814

To be Sold by Auction By J. Sharpe & Son This Day, April 16, 1814 At the Star Inn, Haymarket, Norwich On Saturday at 4 o'c
A Capital POST WINDMILL, Round House, two pair of French stones lately put down at a very heavy expence, capital Flour Mill, joggering skreen, beams, scales, weights, bills, bill hooks, implements etc. of Mr. Hayes of Loddon, who is changing his situation. The Land the Mill stands on is Freehold. Outgoings not more than one pound per annum.
They are in capital repair & stand well for trade being situated within one mile of water carriage to Yarmouth & Norwich, a good distance from Bungay & Beccles & the principal corn markets in the county. Possession may be had any day next week by the purchaser.
Norfolk Chronicle - 16th April 1814

Edmund Woolerton of Dent bought the mill property for £630 via a loan from Thomas Bignold.

Indentures of Lease and Release so dated the release made between the said James Heys of the 1 st part Edmund Woolterton of Denton in the said County of Norfolk farmer of the 2 nd part and Thomas Bignold the younger of the City of Norwich Gentleman of the 3rd part
Recording the last abstracted indentures
And that the said James Heys had contracted with the said E Woolterton for the sale to him of the said hereditaments at the price of £630
It is (by the said abstracted Indenture of Release) Witnessed that in consideration of the sum of £630 of lawful etc to the
To the use of the said E.Woolterton and his assigns for life
All that Post-Windmill of him the said Heys then standing upon the said small piece of land in Loddon aforesaid then before described and thereby granted and released or intended to be with all the millstones the going gears flour mill flour cloths sails sailcloths machinery furniture scales weights mill bills stock of sacks etc utensils articles and things in upon about or belonging to the said Windmill or their with lately used as the same was then in the occupation of the said J Heys his assigns or under tenants
Mill House deeds - 29th & 30th April 1814

To be Sold by Auction By J. Culley on Wednesday October 9, 1816 at 6 o'c At the sign of the Fox & Hounds in Loddon, Norfolk.
All that capital POST WINDMILL with an excellent roundhouse sufficient to contain 4 or 5 score of corn, two pair of capital stones, flour mill & all the going gear.
The above Mill is in excellent repair & situated at Loddon aforesaid which is a good corn country and within two miles of the navigable river from Norwich to Yarmouth. Possession may be had at Michaelmas next.
Apply to Mr. Robert Wolterton, Loddon or the Auctioneer, Norwich.
Norfolk Chronicle - 5th October 1816

Interestingly, this time, the roundhouse is included in the sale.

There is only one of the 1816 documents surviving which is basically the agreement for the sale

All that Small piece of land whereon a Roundhouse and Post Windmill then stood containing by estimation 30 perches (part of a triangular piece of land formerly of Thomas Napp containing in the hole by estimation 3 roods 38 perches in Loddon
Which small piece of land was bounded as follows (viz) by land formerly of Elizabeth Rayner widow since of Sir Roger Kerrison Knight and then or late of the Rev John Gilbert Clerk called the Windmill Piece South by the Kings highway leading from Beccles to Norwich by Pyes Mill Water North East and by other land of Thomas Napp East and West or howsoever otherwise bounded or abuttled
and the reversion is and all the estate etc
Mill House deeds - 1816

1821 Woolterton & Larke are now releasing the property to William Hubbard
after reciting various other deeds & indentures it reports that in consideration of £505 paid by William Hubbard to Edmund Woolterton & 5/- to John Larke they are conveying to him

All that small piece of land whereon a Roundhouse and Post windmill now stand containing by estimation 3 roods & 38 perches lying and being in Loddon in the said County f Norfolk which small piece of land is bounded as follows (that is to say) by land formerly of Elizabeth Rayner Widow since of Sir Roger Kerrison Knight and now or late of the Reverend John Gilbert Clerk called the Windmill Piece on the South by the Kings Highway leading from Beccles to Norwich and by Pyes Mill Water on the North and East and by the other land of the said Thomas Napp on the on the East and West ...
Mill House deeds - 1821

1825 December 7 By indenture so dated and made between William Hubbard of the one part and John Steward of Norwich Esq of the other part
it is witnessed that in consideration of £400 to William Hubbard paid by John Steward
William Hubbard directed Ltd and appointed granted bargained sold and demised unto John Steward his executors administrators and assigns all that small piece of land late of Edmund Woolterton and then of William Hubbard containing by estimation 30 perches part of the triangular piece of land formerly of Thomas Napp containing in the whole by estimation three roods 38 perches in Loddon and also all that Roundhouse and post-Windmill then standing upon the said land and all houses edifices and buildings upon the same . . .

. . . which premises were late of Edmund Woolterton and conveyed to William Hubbard by indenture is of lease and release of eighth and ninth of November 1816

and also all all that freehold parts thereof
all that double cottage with the Gardens and land thereunto belonging of William Hubbard in Loddon in the occupation respectively of Thomas Napp and James Dow
and also all that freehold piece of land of William Hubbard near the premises first described containing three roods or thereabouts in Loddon with the buildings thereon then in the occupation of Charles Watson

Which last premises were later John Hotson and were conveyed to William Hubbard by indentures of lease and release of the third and fourth may 1822 and the reversion is and also all the estate etc
to hold the same unto John Steward his executors and assigns for the term of 1000 years
And it is further witness that for the consideration aforesaid and as a further security for repayment of the £400 and interest to John Steward according to the proviso therein after contained
William Hubbard bargained sold assured and set over unto John Steward his executors and assigns
All that Windmill of him William Hubbard erected upon the piece of land first therein before described with all the sales etc
To hold the same unto John Steward his executors and assigns for ever
Mill House deeds - 1825

However the Abstract of title prepared in 1829 contains this from the other 1816 document

And it is further witnessed in consideration of the £505.05 shillings to Edmund Woolterton paid by William Hubbard as and in consideration of 10% to Edmund Woolterton paid by William Hubbard. Edmund Woolterton bargains sold assigned transferred and set over unto William Hubbard his executors administrators and assigns all that Post-Windmill of him Edmund Woolterton then standing upon the small piece of land in Loddon therein before described with all the mill stones etc
And all the estate etc
Mill House deeds - 1829

William Hubbard, having borred an additional £50, then borrows a further £100.

1829 June 28 and 29 By indentures of lease and release so dated the release being made between William Hubbard the first part John Steward of the second part and John Skipper of Thorpe next Norwich gentleman and Edward Steward of Norwich gentleman of the third part

By 1831 John Steward's death required a new Mortgage, this time from C. Corbould.
Mill House deeds - 1831

In March 1834 William Hubbard sold the property to William Riches snr., Farmer of Loddon, who then mortgages the property for £500 to Richard Mendham, Cattle Dealer of Loddon.

LOWESTOFT - On Monday an inquest was held at Lound, before J.E. Sparrowe, Esq., on the body of Wm. HUBBARD, aged 64, a miller, by trade, belonging to Lakenham, in Norfolk. It appears that he came over to visit his son, who is a journeyman at Mr. Saunders' mill, - that on the 4th inst., he had partaken of a hearty meal with his son, and walked out; shortly after which, he was discovered by Isaac King, of Gorleston, lying upon the road, apparently dead. King met the old gentleman's son, and told hm there was a person lying in the road, who, upon going, found it to be his own father, whom he had but a few minutes before left in good health. He was moved to his son's cottage, and it is thought be breathed once after he was taken in. J.Prentice Esq., from the bloody matter which issued from the mouth, gave it as his opinion that deceased had died from disease of the heart, or the rupture of a blood vessel. Verdict - "Died from natural causes."
Norfolk Chronicle - Saturday 4th June 1856

Tithe Award 1841
Map by W. G. Jones
Owner: William Riches, Senior
Occupier: John Riches

George Durrant & Sons are instructed by the Executors of the late Mr. William Riches to Sell by Auction at the Royal Hotel, Norwich on Saturday June 26, 1886 at 12 for 1 o'c the following desirable PROPERTY IN LODDON
Lot 1. The DWELLING HOUSE, WINDMILL, Buildings & LAND containing 1a. 0r. 19p. in the occupation of Mr. George Wigg.
...
Particulars of Messrs. Copeman & Cadge, Solrs. Loddon & of the Auctioneers, Redenhall Grange, Harleston & Beccles.
Norfolk Chronicle - 19th June 1886

When William & Lucy Blunderfield bought the mill at auction in 1886, they took out a mortgage of £300 with Miss Mary A. Andrews of Norton Subcourse.

BLUNDERFIELD Lucy of Loddon Norfolk (wife of William Riches Blunderfield) died 1 August 1900. Probate London 25 August to William Robinson Riches farmer Effects £2083 12s. 6d.

Lucy Blunderfield's death almost certainly resulted in William Blunderfield selling the mill.

1901: Miss Andrews sold the mill property to Charles H Galer, market gardener of Heckingham, for £300 via a new mortgage from Thomas S. Elder of Thorpe Hamlet, gent.

Census 1891: Frederick Thrower (32) miller at Pye's Mill.
Previously he appeared in the Street working as a miller's carter, probably for the Chapmans.
Census 1891: George Galer - Stationary Engine Driver

Census 1901: Frederick Thrower (42) miller

1921 February 5 C H Galer to H E Sadd
Conveyance freehold cottage & hereditaments situate in Loddon
Charles Henry Galer to Henry Edmund Sadd for the sums of One hundred pounds and one hundred and fifty pounds agrees to sell
All that piece or parcel of land containing by measure One acre nineteen perches more or less situate in the Parish of Loddon aforesaid with the Messuage stable land outbuildings standing thereon or on some part theref formerly in the occupation of Frederick Thrower and now unoccupied which hereditaments are number 268 on the Ordnance Survey for the said Parish of Loddon (1886 Edition) and contain according to such Survey One acre twenty five perches Except and Reserved to the said Charles Henry Galer and any Purchaser from him the windmill standing on the said piece of land hereby conveyed and the mill stones gears and fittings thereto belonging and also the right at any time before the thirtieth day of June One thousand nine hundred and twenty one to remove the windmill and the millstones gears and fittings and for that purpose to enter thereon with workmen horses and carts for removing and carting away the same the said Charles Henry Galer to make good any damage done to the gates gate posts or premises in the course of such removal but not to be compelled to fill up any holes in the ground caused by the removal of the said mill.
Mill House deeds - 1921

Although the above sale document states that the mill should be removed by 30th June 1921, it would appear this did not happen as the mill is clearly shown on the 6" O.S. map of 1946.

One mill (post mill) in meadow to north, other on mound to west of house. Refer to Mr. Goreham, Clerk to Council.
Mrs. Harvey, East Hill, Mill Road - 15th July 1971 (letter to Harry Apling)

Tom Riches of Banham wrote to Philip Unwin on 21st January 1973 to say that a pair of stones were worked on a hurst frame in the roundhouse and the mill was known as Sadd's mill.

The ford through the River Chet to the north of the mill is known as Pye's Mill Watering. Some have thought this to be the site of Pye's Mill but I believe that it is merely named after the mill.
Jonathan Neville

Doing some research into my family history I am now aware that Mr and Mrs Armsby moved to Pye's Mill House from their cottage in Chedrave probably in 1909. This would fit with the previous occupant of Mill House that you list as being there up to 1908. Leonard Armsby (b. 1842, d. 1923/4) in 1873 married Elizabeth Pitchers (b. 1850, d. ?) who was always called Aunt Minnie. My own great grandfather's wife was the sister of Elizabeth Pitchers. Leonard Armsby was a well sinker, wheelwright and carpenter who was still working when aged 80. Although he worked for himself or with various relatives, he also worked at Langley Hall. Other relatives lived in the Lodge Gates to Langley Hall that are on the main Norwich Road (undergoing restoration 2016).
The 1911 Census has the Armsbys living at Mill House with two boys aged 19 and 6. However, the Armsbys, having no children of their own and because of overcrowding in my grandfather's house in Chedgrave, my uncle then a small boy went to live with them, his other siblings all being girls. The Armsby's also looked after another older boy who they had taken in when a baby and who left them in 1913 to emigrate to Australia. My uncle remembered Mr Armsby taking the boys luggage in a two-wheeled hand-barrow to the bus stop in Loddon and later the boy visiting them at Mill House while on leave when serving in the Australian Army during the First World War. The Armsbys moved from Mill House back to Chedgrave in about 1921. My mother, and sister of the small boy, talked of regular visits to the Armsbys and her brother while they were living at Pye's Mill, and recalled that people residing in the local workhouse would stop at Pye's Mill during their Sunday walk to be given hot water with which to make tea.
Neil Cooke

Riches Family

c.1802: John Riches born - son to William Riches snr - next to the Cauliflower Inn in Mill Lane

1834: William Riches snr. - owner with mortgage of £500 from Richard Mendham
1834:John Riches & Robert Bullen - occupiers

White's 1836: William Riches, farmer

1838: William Riches snr. wrote a will

Census 1841: William Riches snr, (80) farmer
Census 1841: William Riches jnr, (40) farmer
Census 1841: John Riches (30) miller at Pye's Mill
1841: William Riches snr. repaid £500 to Richard Mendham

White's 1845: William Riches, farmer

24th December 1845: William Riches snr. died leaving the property to son John Riches who was charged with paying £500 to his Executors. That money then to pay legacies to his other children.

1852: John Riches sold the mill to William Riches jnr for £500. Another son Richard Riches was Executor.

White's 1854: John Riches, farmer
White's 1854: William Riches, farmer

Census 1861: John Riches, sackmaker and his family recorded living in Beccles

Census 1861: George Wigg, miller, living next to John Napp in the Cauliflower Inn

Census 1871: George Wigg, miller, living next to Henry Blunderfield in Mill Lane

Census 1881: George Wigg, miller, living next to Henry Blunderfield in Mill Lane
Census 1881: William Riches born 1800 recorded as farmer on Stubbs Green

1883 William Riches jnr made his will

30th April 1886: William Riches jnr died. Executors - son William Robinson Riches & Nelson Hylton Hayward

1910: Lucy

White's 1845: F. Wigg, farmer
White's 1845: Samuel Wright, millwright

White's 1854: Samuel Wright, millwright

Kelly's 1879: William Riches Blunderfield, grocer & draper

Kelly's 1904: Samuel Galer, market gardener & farmer

Kelly's 1908: George Galer, nurseryman & fruit grower

Kelly's 1896: Frederick Thrower, miller (wind & steam)

Kelly's 1900: Frederick Thrower, miller (wind & steam)

Census 1901: Frederick Thrower, (42) miller

1901: Miss Andrews sold the mill to Charles H. Galer, market gardener of Heckingham for £300

Kelly's 1904: James Edward Galer, miller (wind & steam) & coal merchant

Kelly's 1904: Robert Self, householder, Mill house

Kelly's 1908: Robert Self, commercial traveller, Mill house

c.1909: Mr. & Mrs. Armsby moved to Pye's Mill house from nearby Chedgrave

1910: William Riches Blunderfield died

O.S. map 1910: Windmill

Census 1911: Mr. & Mrs. Armsby living with and looking after one boy aged 9 and one aged 16

c.1921: Mr. & Mrs. Armsby moved back to Chedgrave

1921: Charles Henry Galer sold the mill field but not the mill to Henry Edmund Sadd

O.S. Land Utilisation Survey 1931: Windmill

O.S. map 1946: Windmill

Copyright © Jonathan Neville 2004