Swanton Abbott towermill was 4 storeys high and built of brick c.1845. It had 4 double shuttered sails of 9 bays with striking via a rack and pinion. The dome shaped cap was topped with a ball shaped finial and also held an 8 bladed fan. The sails powered 2 pairs of stones and a flour mill. A portable steam engine in a shed that stood alongside provided addition power in times of low wind.

Robert Page, son of local farmer John Page (b.1796) married Charlotte, daughter of Benjamin Postle Woollsey of Swafield_watermill and he later left Swanton Abbott to take took over Swafield_mill on the death of Benjamin Woollsey c.1860.

SWANTON ABBOTT

Messrs. IRELAND have received instructions to Sell by Auction in two lots at the King's Arms Inn, North Walsham on Thursday September 29, 1870 at 5 for 6 o'clock for the following desirable Property.
Lot 2. A well situate Brick TOWER WINDMILL driving two pairs of Stones and a Flour Mill, with capital Dwelling House, Stables and Outbuildings, situate at Swanton Abbott and in the occupation of Mr. Robert page. Possession can be had at Michaelmas next.
Particulars of W. Forster Esq., Solicitor, Aylsham and of the Auctioneers, Guestwick, Thetford.
Norfolk Chronicle - 17th September 1878

The (above) picture is of my family members.  According to a cousin, Elizabeth Ann Hunt, it was taken about 1906.  Those in the picture are (left to right): Mary Elizabeth Goose Hunt, Edith Rachel Hunt, Ruth Elizabeth Hunt, Amelia Mary Hunt Gray holding Ethel (born May 13, 1905), George Herbert Hunt, Benjamin John Hunt (age 11) on horse, John Benjamin Hunt, Sr. (small figure in background), Flora Rebecca Hunt (age 13, holding gate), Kate Sophia Hunt Daniels, Earl Flaxman Daniels.
John Hunt - 30th March 2008

c.1845: Mill built

1845-1856: John Andrews

White's 1845: J. Andrews, corn miller

Kelly's 1854: John Andrews, miller

1858: Robert Page

1865: Thomas Henry Gray (later moved to Dilham Staithe towermill)

17th September 1870: Mill for sale by auction

1872-1878: John Goose, miller and farmer

1883-1914: John Benjamin Hunt, miller and farmer (son in law of John Goose)

c.1888: Portable steam engine installed in an adjacent shed

Kelly's 1896: Benjamin Hunt, miller (wind & steam) & farmer

Kelly's 1900: Benjamin Hunt, miller (wind & steam) & farmer

Kelly's 1904: John Benjamin Hunt, miller (wind & steam) & farmer

May 1901: Mill struck by lightning and sails damaged

1914: Interior of mill destroyed by fire

1926: Tower standing empty

1984: Grassed over foundations remaining

Copyright © Jonathan Neville 2004