Watlington
towermill

Contact

Drainage Mills (Windpumps)
Steam Mills
Watermills

c.1904
c.1904

Watlington towermill was a large mill that stood in Mill Road near to the site of an earlier postmill.
The four double shuttered patent sails, were 9 feet wide with a span of 91 feet. Each had 9 bays of 3 shutters and 1 bay of 2 shutters. The 8 storey mill had an ogee cap that was vertically boarded to form a petticoat and it had a ball finial, a 6 bladed fan and a gallery. A stage was set around the 4th floor.

Mill House c.1907
Mill House c.1907

MISCELLANEOUS
To Bakers
WANTED, a Married Man in the above business; one who has been used to a Country Trade preferred. Must be a good hand and well recommended.
Apply Mr. Edward Crow, Watlington Mills, Downham.

Norfolk News - 30th March 1861

To Journeymen Millers
WANTED, a strong active Married Man to work a TOWER MILL. Also a Married Man as CARTER, one who can write. References required.
Apply Edmund Crowe, Watlington, Downham.

Lynne Advertiser - 13th December 1862

To Millers
WANTED, an IMPROVER in the above business.
Apply to Mr. Edmd. Crowe, Watlington, Downham Market.

Lynne Advertiser - 11th November 1865

NOTICE
It having been reported that, in consequence of my hiring a Farm, I am about to relinquish my business of a Miller and Baker, I beg to inform my numerous friends and patrons that such is not the fact and I shall, under any circumstances, continue to carry on my said business as heretofore and all future orders shall have my best attention.
All letters referring to the Milling and Baking business to be addressed to Mr. William Smith, Watlington, Downham, Norfolk.
Edmund Crowe
Watlington, 11 October 1866.
Lynne Advertiser - 13th & 20th October 1866

NOTICE
It having been reported that, in consequence of my hiring a Farm, I am about to relinquish my business of a Miller and Baker, I beg to inform my numerous friends and patrons that such is not the fact and I shall, under any circumstances, continue to carry on my said business as heretofore and all future orders shall have my best attention.
All letters referring to the Milling and Baking business to be addressed to Mr. William Smith, Watlington, Downham, Norfolk.
Edmund Crowe
Watlington, 22 October 1866.
Norfolk News - 27th October 1866

After leaving Watlington mill, Edmund Crowe farmed at Denver but still owned the mill.

To Journeymen Millers
WANTED, a Married Man not more than 30 years of age in the above Business, one who has been accustomed to Windmills. Constant employment. Reference required.
Apply Mr. Crowe, Denver, Downham Market, Norfolk.

Norfolk News - 6th July 1867

To Millers & Bakers
WANTED, a steady active young man as IMPROVER in the above business.
Apply Mr. Crowe, Denver, Downham Market.

Norfolk News - 10th October 1867

Situations Vacant
To Millers
WANTED, an IMPROVER in the above Business.
Apply Mr. Crowe, Denver, Downham Market, Norfolk.

Norfolk News - 10th October 1867

c.1910
c.1910

To Millers
WANTED, a JOURNEYMAN, also an IMPROVER in the above business.
Apply Mr. Crowe, Denver, Downham Market.

Norfolk News - 8th February 1868

To JOURNEYMEN MILLERS
Wanted , a single man in the above business. References required.
Apply Mr. Crowe, Denver, Downham Market, Norfolk.

Lynne Advertiser - 20th November & Norfolk News - 18th December 1869

Situations Vacant
To Millers
WANTED, a Single Man as JOURNEYMAN. Also an APPRENTICE in the above Business.
Apply Mr. E. Crowe, Denver, Downham Market, Norfolk.

Norfolk News - 16th April 1870

WANTED, an APPRENTICE to the Milling and Baking Business, to board in the house.
Apply Mr. Wm. Smith, Mr. E. Crowe's, Watlington Mill, Downham.

Lynne Advertiser - 6th August 1870

Situations Vacant
WANTED, a Young Man as IMPROVER in the Milling and Baking Business.
Also a YARDMAN and TEAMMAN. Reference required.
Apply Mr. E. Crowe, Denver, Downham Market, Norfolk.

Norfolk News - 30th September 1871

To Millers & Bakers
WANTED, an IMPROVER in the above business; also a BAKER as second hand.
Apply Mr. E. Crowe, Denver, Downham Market.

Lynne Advertiser - 14th October 1871

Situations Vacant
WANTED, a Journeyman MILLER. One who has some knowledge of the Baking would be preferred.
Apply to Mr. E. Crowe, Watlington, Downham Market.

Norfolk News - 10th February 1872

Henry Heading, deceased
Notice re above who died 8th February.
Accounts to William Heading, Feltwell, Miller or to
Mr. Edmund Crowe, of Hill House, Denver, farmer, Executors

Norfolk News - 10th February 1872

To JOURNEYMEN MILLERS
WANTED, a MAN who thoroughly understands his business and who has been accustomed to Wind Mills. References required.
Apply Mr. Crowe, Denver, Downham Market, Norfolk.

Lynne Advertiser - 18th May 1872

WATLINGTON MILL
EDMUND CROWE returns his grateful thanks to the inhabitants of Watlington and its neighbourhood for the kind and liberal support he has received from them during the last nineteen years; and having disposed of his business at Watlington to Mr. Alfred Turner, for some years the Manager of his Milling Business, he has great pleasure in recommending Mr. Turner to his customers.
ALFRED TURNER in soliciting a continuance of the support so long given to his predecessor, pledges himself to supply good articles at reasonable prices and hopes thereby and with civility, to retain the confidence of Mr. Crowe's customers.
Debts due to the said Edmund Crowe will be received by the said Alfred Turner.

Lynne Advertiser - 29th June 1872

To Millers
Wanted, a MAN who understands his business. A married man preferred.
Apply to A. Turner, Watlington Mills.

Lynne Advertiser - 29th June 1872

Situations Vacant
TO MILLERS
Wanted a MAN in the above Trade. One who has a good knowledge of the trade. A Married Man preferred.
Apply to A. T., Watlington Mill, Downham Market.

Norfolk News - 24th August 1872

NOTICE
On and after MONDAY December 30th A Turner's prices for grinding will be as under:-
All Coarse Corn
All Fine Corn
Dressing
1s. 0d. per coomb
1s. 4d. per coomb
1s. 4d. per coomb
Watlington Mill, December 27, 1872.
Lynne Advertiser - 28th December 1872

To Millers
Wanted, a man who has been accustomed to a wind mill. Good references required. A married man preferred.
Apply A. T., Watlington Mills, Downham.

Lynn Advertiser - 12th September 1874

Situations Vacant
To Millers
WANTED, a MARRIED MAN well acquainted with a Wind-mill. Liberal wages given.
Apply A. Turner, Watlington Mills, Dunham.

Norfolk News - 17th October 1874

Situations Vacant
TO MILLERS
Wanted, a MARRIED MAN to work a windmill.
Address, A. Y. Watlington Mills, Downham.

Norfolk News - 9th January 1875

To Millers
Wanted, a married man, one used to a Wind Mill preferred.
Apply to A. A. Turner, Watlington Mill, Downham.

Lynn Advertiser - 6th February 1875

To Millers
Wanted, a Man who has been used to a Wind Mill.
Apply to A. Turner, Watlington Mills, Downham.

Lynn Advertiser - 13th March 1875

To Bakers
Wanted, a married man as second hand and to drive a cart.
Apply to A. A. Turner, Watlington Mills, Downham, Norfolk.

Lynne Advertiser - 24th April 1875

To Millers
Wanted, a man in the above trade.
Apply to Mr. A. Turner, Watlington Mills, Downham Market.

Lynn Advertiser - 23rd October 1875

c.1912
c.1912

A. A. TURNER
MILLER, WATLINGTON
REQUESTS that LETTERS intended for him be addressed as above as otherwise they are frequently misdelivered.
8 February 1876

Lynne Advertiser - 12th February 1876

To BAKERS
Wanted, a man as Second Hand and to drive a cart. A married man preferred.
Apply to A. TURNER, WATLINGTON MILLS, Downham.

Lynne Advertiser - 11th March 1876

To Millers
WANTED, a young man in the above trade, one who has served part of his time preferred.
Apply to A. Turner, Watlington Mill, near Lynn.

Lynn Advertiser - 5th & 12th August 1876

To Millers
WANTED, a junior hand where two or more are kept; one used to a windmill preferred.
Apply to A. A. Turner, Watlington Mill, Downham or Corn Hall on Tuesday.

Lynn Advertiser - 30th September 1876

BIRTHS, MARRIAGES & DEATHS
DEATHS
On the 13th inst. aged 54 years Jane, wife of Edmund Crowe of Denver.

WATLINGTON
The Funeral of Mrs. Jane Crowe, wife of Mr. E. Crowe of Denver, took place here on Thursday last. A great many of the inhabitants attended to shew their last respect for the deceased who had resided at Watlington for many years and was very much respected.

Lynne Advertiser - 18th November 1876

To Millers
WANTED, a young man who has served part of his time, where two more are kept.
Apply to A. A. Turner, Watlington Mill.

Lynn Advertiser - 6th October 1877

c.1914
c.1914

To Bakers
WANTED a young man as Second Hand and to go with cart. Character required.
Apply to A. A. T. Watlington Mills, Downham.

Lynne Advertiser - 12th July 1879

To be Sold by Private Contract
About 18 Tons of Hardland Hay
Apply to A. A. Turner, Watlington Mills, Downham.

Lynn Advertiser - 20th December 1879

To Millers
WANTED, a married man that well understands his trade, to work a Windmill. Cottage and garden found; good character required.
Apply to A. A. Turner, Watlington Mill, Downham Market.

Lynn Advertiser - 6th October
1883


WATLINGTON MILLS
F. HEADING
Having taken the above Mills, begs to announce to the public in the vicinity that he intends carrying on the business, in both its branches and hopes by strict attention to all orders and supplying good articles at reasonable prices to merit their future patronage and support.

October 11, 1884
Lynn Advertiser - 11th & 18th October
1884


c.1915
c.1915

Mr. A. A. TURNER of WATLINGTON
Having given up the Mills, begs to return his best thanks to the residents of the surrounding neighbourhood for their support which he has received for the last 12 years. All communications connected with his late business may be sent to him at his present address, Wolferton, Kings Lynn.

Lynn Advertiser - 18th October
1884


To Millers
WANTED, a steady honest single man as Second Hand in a mill. One used to wind and a knowledge of baking preferred.
Apply to F. Heading, Watlington Mills.

Lynn Advertiser - 24th July 1886


Sale by Private Contract of Grocer & Draper's shop etc. as in occupation of Mr. Alfred Turner.
Lynne Advertiser - 27th April 1889

Workman, Robert Hoare, an employee of Mr. Savage of St. Nicholas' Works killed on Wednesday 12 June by fall of chimney during installation of two new ovens for Mr. Heading.
Lynne Advertiser - 15th June 1889

c.1920

WANTED, a married man as Second Hand in a Wind and Steam Mill. Must be a good stoneman.
Apply to F. Heading, Watlington Mills, Downham Market.

Lynn Advertiser - 22nd March 1890


To Millers.
Wanted, a married or single man as above in a tower wind-mill with steam power attached. Must be a good stoneman. References required.
Apply to F. Heading, Watlington Mills, Downham Market.

Lynn Advertiser - 18th October 1890


WANTED
MILLWRIGHTS, one or two competent Men used to windmill work, for a job from 4 to 6 weeks.
Apply to Frank Heading, Watlington Mills, Downham.

Lynn Advertiser - 2nd June 1899


Lynn Advertiser - 27th August 1909
Lynn Advertiser - 27th August 1909 (small section missing)

Kelly's Directory - 1912
Kelly's Directory - 1912

Eastern Daily Press - 11th April 1973
Eastern Daily Press - 11th April 1973

O. S. Map 1884
O. S. Map 1884
Courtesy of NLS map images

White's 1864: George Heading, farmer, Wallington-cum-Thorpland

White's 1890: Robert Heading, farmer

Kelly's 1892: Robert Heading, farmer

Kelly's 1896: Robert Thorrold Heading, farmer

Kelly's 1900: Robert Thorrold Heading, farmer & district councillor, The Farm

Kelly's 1904: Robert Thorrold Heading, farmer & district councillor, The Farm

Kelly's 1908: Robert Thorrold Heading, district councillor, The Cottage

Kelly's 1912: Robert Thorrold Heading, district councillor, The Manor house

1847: Mill built close to site of former postmill

1853: Osborne Heading, miller

White's 1854: Osborne Heading, corn miller & baker & farmer at Wallington-cum-Thorpland

1856: Osborne Heading, miller

1857: Edmund Crowe, miller & baker

1858: Edmund Crowe, miller & baker

1861: Edmund Crowe, miller

1862: Edmund Crowe, miller

1863: Edmund Crowe, miller & baker

White's 1864: Edmund Crow, baker & corn miller

1865: Edmund Crowe, miller & baker

1866: Edmund Crowe, miller & baker

1866: William Smith, tenant miller; owner Edmund Crowe

1867: Edmund Crowe, miller & baker

1868: Edmund Crowe, miller & baker

1869: Edmund Crowe, miller & baker

1870: William Smith, tenant miller; owner Edmund Crowe

1871: Edmund Crowe, miller & baker

1872: Edmund Crowe, miller & baker

1872: Alfred Andrew Turner, milling manager, bought the business form Edmund Crowe

1874: Alfred Andrew Turner, miller & baker

1875: Alfred Turner, miller & baker

1876: Alfred Turner, miller & baker

1877: Alfred Turner, miller & baker

1878: Alfred Turner, miller & baker

Kelly's 1879: Alfred Andrew Turner, baker, miller & farmer

White's 1883: A. A. Turner, corn miller, baker & farmer

1884: Frank Heading took the mill over from Alfred Andrew Turner

1886: Frank Heading, miller & baker

1888: Frank Heading, miller & baker

1889: Frank Heading, miller & baker

June 1889: Robert Hoare, workman, killed while fitting 2 new ovens to bakery

White's 1890: Frank Heading, miller

O.S. map 1891: Windmill

Kelly's 1892: Frank Heading, miller (wind), corn merchant, baker & farmer

Kelly's 1896: Frank Heading, miller (wind), corn merchant, baker & farmer

1899: Frank Heading, miller & baker

Kelly's 1900: Frank Heading, miller (wind & steam), corn merchant, baker & farmer

1901: Roller plant working

Kelly's 1904: Frank Heading, miller (wind & steam), corn merchant, baker & farmer, The Tower roller mills

Kelly's 1908: Frank Heading, miller

Sunday 22nd February 1908: Mill damaged in a heavy gale

1909: Frank Heading, miller

Kelly's 1912: Frank Heading, miller, merchant, haulage contractor & engineer

Kelly's 1916:
Frank Heading, miller, merchant, haulage contractor, engineer, corn & flour merchant & furniture remover

1920: Mill ceased working

Kelly's 1922:
Frank Heading, miller, merchant, haulage contractor, engineer, corn & flour merchant & furniture remover

1927-28: Mill demolished

O.S. map 1946: Windmill

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 07836 675369 or

Nat Grid Ref. TF 62131056
Top of Page

Copyright © Jonathan Neville 2007