Saxlingham Thorpe
towermill


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Norfolk Windmills


Saxlingham Thorpe towermill was built in 1834 and stood in Black Mill Lane. The 4 storey tower had a stage and the sails powered 2 pairs of French burr stones.


The windmill was worked in conjunction with the nearby Saxlingham Thorpe watermill

Mr. BUTCHER announces to the Public that he has received instructions to submit to Public Competition at the Bowling Green Hotel, Norwich on Saturday 26 May, 1838, in lots.
Water_Corn_Mill, a newly-erected Brick Tower Windmill, neat Residence, Cottage, and other buildings at Saxlingham, in Norfolk, together with several acres of Arable and Pasture land.
The property is now in the occupation of Mr. Edward Reynolds, the Proprietor, who will give up possession at Michaelmas next.
Norfolk Chronicle - 21st April 1838

To MILLERS
Mr. BUTCHER Respectfully announces to the Public that he has received instructions to submit to Public Competition at the Bowling Green Hotel, Norwich on Saturday May 26, 1838
An Important & Valuable Freehold Water_Corn_Mill, a newly erected substantial Brick Tower Windmill, neat Residence, Cottage & other Buildings at Saxlingham in Norfolk, together with several Acres of fertile Arable & Pasture Land.
This desirable Property is well situated in a good Corn District, next the Turnpike Road from Norwich to London & in the immediate vicinity of excellent Markets.
It is now in the occupation of Mr. Edward Reynolds, the Proprietor, who will give up Possession at Michaelmas next.
Norfolk Chronicle - 28th April 1838

To Millers & Capitalists
Capital Estate and Corn Mills at SAXLINGHAM near Norwich With Possession at Michaelmas next or sooneer if required
To be SOLD or LET by Private Contract
A Superior and Valuable Freehold WATER_CORN_MILL at Saxlingham near Norwich and handsome new built Dwelling House adjoining the Mill ...
Also a capital and substantial Brick Tower WINDMILL with Patent Sails, winding herself and driving two pairs of stomes and capable of manufacturing upon the average 3 Lasts per week; also a commodius Barn with Stable, and Lodges and tow pieces of superiort Arable and Meadow Land adjoining containing with the site of the Buildings Seven Acres or thereabouts.
The last mentioned Property has been erected withinb the last ten years uponm land adjacent to the Water_Mill Premises and are in excellent repair. Copyhold of then Manor of Saxlingham Thorpe. Fine arbitrary and the only outgoing is an annual quit rent of 9s. There is an unlimited Right of COMMONAGE over the Common of Saxlingham attached to the whole Estate ...
The whole Estate is now in the occupation of Mr,. Edward Reynolds, the proprietor and possession will be give on 11th of October next or sooner if required.
Particulars on application to Mr. Reynolds or Mr. E. C. Bailey, Solr. Orford Street, Norwich.
Norfolk Chronicle - 25th March & 1st April 1843

Trial of
William Hardy & Henry Goward
October 1847

O.S. Map 2005
O.S. Map 2005
Image reproduced under licence from Ordnance Survey

Karl Wood's painting of 1939 showed the mill with a porch built to the door, a chimney stack to the rear and a 6 or 8 sided pointed cap surmounted by a weathervane.


Kelly's 1854: George Spratt, mill inspector

Candler Family
Edward Candler, 1811 - 1888 was recorded as miller at Bawburgh in 1836 and 1845. His family were Quakers and several of his relatives were also millers. Lawrence Candler 1747 - 1820 was recorded at at Cringleford in 1806 (either the watermill or the postmill). His son Lawrence jnr. 1773 - 1824 was recorded at Cringleford_watermill in 1836 and again in 1845 with Horatio (his brother?). Horatio was again recorded there in 1864 and his son Horace Robert from 1883 - 1908. Lawrence and Horatio were recorded at Saxlingham_Thorpe_watermill from 1845 - 1863; they were also running Saxlingham towermill in 1847. In 1879 and 1883 Horace was also recorded at East_Harling_watermill, where he lived and from at least 1890 - 1896 he was also running Keswick_watermill.

1804: Postmill on the site

O.S. map 1838: Windmill

21st April 1838: Mill offered for sale by proprietor, Edward Reynolds having been recently rebuilt as a towermill

1843: Edward Reynolds, miller

March 1843: Mill advertised for sale or let

White's 1845: Lawrence & Horatio Candler, corn millers

1847: Lawrence & Horatio Candler, millers and William Hardy, mill manager

4th October 1847:
William Hardy (employee) and Henry Goward (publican) convicted of stealing wheat from the mill and were both transported to Australia for 7 years.

Kelly's 1854: Lawrence Candler, miller

White's 1864: John Wakelin Miles, corn miller

Kelly's 1879: John W. Miles, miller & farmer

c.1885: Mill demolished

O.S. map 1905: Windmill

1926: Mill worked by an engine

Karl Wood painting 1939: Windmill

O.S. map 1956: Windmill

16th June 1958: Mill demolished

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 01263 713658 or

Nat Grid Ref TM21019757
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Copyright © Jonathan Neville 2006