Norfolk Mills - Tharston tower windmill

Tharston
towermill

Tharston towermill was built as a replacement for the earlier postmill and both were run in conjunction with the nearby Tharston watermill. The mill ran two pairs of stones.

THE THARSTON WATER, STEAM & WIND MILLS ESTATE.
Messrs. Spelman have received instructions to Sell by Auction on Saturday July 18, 1896 at
2 for 3 o'c at the Agricultural Hall, Norwich, the Freehold ESTATE known as Tharston Mills, situate on the road from Hapton to Tasburgh, about two miles from Flordon, Forncett & Ashwellthorpe Stations on the G.E.R., in the County of Norfolk, in the occupation of Mr. Alfred Phillipo, at the yearly rent of £105 comprising the Water & Steam Power Mills with Engine & Boiler house & fitted with a 10 horse power Boiler by Riches & Watts & 8 horse power Vertical High Pressure Engine by Riches & Watts, with all Steam Pipes & Fittings, a Centrifugal Scalper put up six years since by Riches & Watts, a Centrifugal Silk Flour Mill nearly new, a No. 1 Flour Mill & Sifter, three pairs of 4 ft. Stones etc.
The House contains... also adjoining are good Gardens. The Outbuildings comprise a Brick & Tile Cart-shed, 2 Open Sheds, Loose Box, Hay House, Harness House & Stable with 3 Stalls & Box; also adjoining are several Valuable Pastures of good quality & another Pasture next the road. At a short distance, standing at a considerable elevation is a Brick Tower Windmill with Two Pairs of Stones & other machinery, the whole containing about 9a. 0r. 13p.
Particulars of Messrs. Spelman, Norwich & Yarmouth; at the Estate Exchange, Tokenhouse Yard, E.C. & of Leathes Prior, Esq., Vendor's Solr. Norwich.
Norfolk Chronicle - 11th July 1896

I can remember this mill which was situated S.S.E of the Tharston water mill in between the Hapton to Hempnall road and what was locally known as the back lane accessed by a rough cart track which was adjacent to Brightons farm. I was very young at the time and was taken for many walks by the old mill until one fateful day the mill was blown up, I was unconsolable for days so it is said. I was told it was demolished (1) it could be used as a navigation point for enemy aircraft or (2) for building material to repair the war damage.
John Brandon, Bristol - 5th March 2007

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

1896: Alfred Phillipo miller - also at Tharston watermill

July 1896: Mill advertised for sale by auction

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 TM18459575

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