Raynham post windmill stood in the centre of the group of villages making up the Raynhams. Up until some time between 1845 and 1854 according to the trade directories, the villages were known as the Rainhams. The mill had common sails 27 ft. by 6 ft. and ran 2 pairs of 4 ft. 4 ins. French burr stones, a bolting mill and jumper. The mill also had a bake office on the site.

Commission of Bankrupt awarded and issued forth against Silvester, otherwise Silvan Fowle of West Rainham, Miller & Baker, Dealer & Chapman and he being declared a Bankrupt ...
to surrender 2 January next ...
Norfolk Chronicle - 28th December 1799

All persons who stand indebted to the Estate of SILVESTER otherwise SILVAN FOWLE of West Rainham, Miller & Baker, a Bankrupt, to pay debts to John Whiteman of West Raynham, farmer, the Assignee of the said Bankrupt's estate ...
January 17, 1800
Norfolk Chronicle - 18th January 1800

Commissioners in a Commission of Bankrupt against Silvester, otherwise Silvan Fowle of West Rainham, Miller & Baker, Dealer & Chapman
to meet 27 February next ...
to make dividend ...
Norfolk Chronicle - 31st January 1801

TITHE AWARD, 1841
Map 1838, W. G. Bircham, Surveyor, Fakenham.
Owner: Charles, Lord Townsend
Occupier: Abdell Smith

RAINHAM
To Let with Possession October 11th 1841
A Capital POST WINDMILL with two pair of Stones, new Dwelling House, Baking Office, Granary, Stables, Cart Sheds, Piggeries and about 3 acres of Pasture.
Apply to Mr. Richard Flowerdew, East Rainham.
Norfolk Chronicle - 2nd October 1841

WEST RAYNHAM
To Millers, Millwrights etc.
To be Sold by Auction by Mr. R. Ansell on Monday 23 December 1844 at 2 o'c at the Greyhound Inn, West Raynham
A capital POST WINDMILL (to be removed) now standing in the parish of West Raynham, with set of sails 27 ft. by 6 ft. driving two pairs of 4 ft. 4 ins. French burr stones, with Bolting Mill and Jumper and going gear complete. May be viewed on applying to Mr. George Nichols, Grocer, West Raynham and further particulars of R. Ansell, Auctioneer, Fakenham.
Norfolk Chronicle - 14th & 21st December 1844

16th June 1989
Dear Mr. Apling,
You may remember borrowing a photograph of Wreningham Mill from me.
Anyway, you said you had no trace of a mill at Raynham.
I thought you might be interested to know that yesterday, I had a visit from a gentleman from Sussex who was trying to trace his ancestors. He came to see me as I had compiled a list of the gravestones in the churchyard of the ruins of the church of St. Margaret's at West Raynham.
Apparently he was the descendant of Mr. NICHOLAS SAVORY who was the miller and died in 1750.
He showed me a copy of an old Ordnance Survey map showing the mill. You probably know about the map. He said it could be obtained from good stationers and also mentioned the Black Horse Bookshop in Norwich.
He took my address but unfortunately I forgot to get his. At the time I was acting as Poll Clerk for the European Elections so it was difficult to carry on a conversation. He just wanted to know whether there were any of his ancestors buried in the old churchyard but I had no record of any.
Just thought this might interest you.
Yours sincerely,
Mrs. Agnes Cain

1750: Nicholas Savory, miller, died

Faden's map 1797: Wind Mill

December 1799: Silvester or Silvan Fowle, miller, baker, dealer & chapman declared bankrupt

1800: Silvester Fowle, miller

1801: Silvester Fowle, miller

Bryant's map 1826: Windmill

Greenwood's map 1834: Windmill

White's 1836: Abdall Smith, miller & baker (West Raynham)

O.S. map 1838: Windmill

Tithe Award 1841: Owner: Charles, Lord Townsend; Occupier: Abdell Smith

October 1841: Mill advertised to be let

December 1844: Mill advertised for sale by auction to be removed by buyer

White's 1845: John Miles, miller & baker (West Raynham)

c.1845: Mill dismantled

Nat Grid Ref TF87082460

Copyright © Jonathan Neville 2008