Stratton St Michael smockmill



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Norfolk Windmills


Stratton St Michael smockmill, often known as Rayner's mill was built to the west of the Norwich Road at the top of the hill in Long Stratton.


O.S. Map 1887-1889
O.S. Map 1887-1889
Image produced from the www.old-maps.co.uk service with permission of Landmark Information Group Ltd. and Ordnance Survey

Excerpt from The Long Stratton poem written in the 1950s
(see local website on Links page for all 52 verses)

Verse 13
In days gone by up Stratton hill,
Once stood the famous Rayners mill,
The wind got weak so go the tales,
That’s why the miller took off the sails.

Verse 34
On the Wood Green road stood Leeders Mill,
If it isn’t gone, it stands there still.
When Rayners mill sail ceased to turn,
Leeder said "thank God now I can earn".

Kelly's 1854: Thomas Rayner, miller

Census 1861:
Thomas Rayner (39) b.Bunwell, miller
Elizabeth Rayner (28) b.Forncett St. Mary
Walter W? C?  Rayner (5) b.Tharston
James Rayner (4)  b.Suffolk (parish illegible)
John Rayner (4 mths) b.Hardwick
Charlotte Har......  (18) b.Stratton St. Michael, house servant 
John Roper (16) b.Stratton St. Michael, apprentice miller
Henry ........    ?    (17) b.Stratton St. Michael, apprentice miller
 
Robert Fordham (33) b.Bunwell, miller
Ann Fordham (39) b.South Lopham.

Kelly's 1879: Thomas Rayner, miller

O.S. Map 1887-1889: Windmill (Corn)



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 587564 or

Nat Grid Ref TM19759300
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Copyright © Jonathan Neville 2005