West Newton post windmill ran two pairs of 4 ft. 6 ins. French burr stones and a flour mill.

To Millers, Bakers and others
To be disposed of by Private Contract
A Copyhold Estate (fine certain) comprising an excellent POST WINDMILL with One pair of French Stones 4 ft. 6 ins., an excellent Flour Mill and Roundhouse capable of containing 6 or 7 Lasts of Wheat. The same has an excellent Retail Trade attached and is within seven miles of the Market Town of Kings Lynn.
Also an excellent Dwelling house with Baking Office, Barn, Stable,
Cart shed and every other requisite Outbuilding and six acres, more or less, of Arable Land lying within a ring fence.
Possession at Michaelmas next. Part of the money may remain on the premises if required.
Apply to Mr. Robert Merrison upon the Estate at West Newton.
Norfolk Chronicle - 18th & 25th August 1832

To Millers, Bakers and others
To be Sold or Let
A Copyhold Estate (fine certain) comprising an excellent POST WINDMILL with One pair of French Stones 4 ft. 6 ins., an excellent Flour Mill and Roundhouse capable of containing 6 or 7 Lasts of Wheat. The same has an excellent Retail Trade attached and is within seven miles of the Market Town of Kings Lynn.
Also an excellent Dwelling house with Baking Office, Barn, Stable,
Cart shed and every other requisite Outbuilding and six acres, more or less, of Arable Land lying within a ring fence.
Possession at Michaelmas next and Three parts of the Purchase Money (if sold) may remain on the Premises.
Apply to Mr. Robert Merrison upon the Estate at West Newton.
Norfolk Chronicle - 18th May, 1st & 8th June 1833

Will or surrender of Judith Merrison

On reading what was written it was evident that Judith had the power of surrendering the property to her husband but the fact that she did this originally as a will, noting the Court Rolls and the Manor of Westhall, all in 1837 - at the timing of the declaration of the decisions of the Tithe Awards, makes you wonder.

This anomaly occurs quite often.  A different owner in between folks being millers and then wills proven later as another owner.  I think this was caused by those heavily disputed Tithe Awards and does explain why the wills do not seem to tie into the ownership.

The Tithe Commutation Act was in 1836 - converting the payments for land from "of kind", to money rents.  The land previously belonging to the church in ancient times.  The act in 1836 caused endless disputes, as had the situation prior to it.
Will of Judith MERRISON written 27th June 1837  and proved on 20th January 1848. However, when it was filed and noted, (it was not proven)  there was NO PERSONALS, Actually, this was really not a will at all but just a surrender document.  She had passed on everything to her husband and he could have still been living.


I, Judith , the wife of Robert MERRISON, of West Newton, in the county of Norfolk, miller, in pursuance of the power given to me a ...

surrender made and passed by me and my said husband this day out of court according to the custom of the Manor of Westhall, otherwise Gayton, in Gayton in the County of Norfolk, of all and every my messuages, tenements and hereditaments holden by Copy of the Court Rolls of the said Manor.  To the Users? interests and purposes in or by my last will and testament declared or to be declared of or concerning the same premises do make publish and declare this to be my last will and testament in manner following, that is to say, I give and devise all my copyhold, messuages lands tenements and hereditaments with their appertenances unto my said husband Robert MERRISON his heirs and assigns forever.  And I revoke all former wills etc................................

Signed by Judith Merrison 27th June 1837.

Witnessed by Wm. Jarvis, Chas. Frankland, L.W? Jarvis.

On Jan 20, 1848 this will was exhibited unto this office and filed, and registered only, the testatrix leaving no personals.

Examined with the original will by me.   E.  Butler.

The lady really thought she was entitled to this property, especially when she notes the Court Rolls and the Manor of Westhall.  Obviously the land was awarded to John MOTTEUX and it would appear he took it over and sold it to William GUNTON who continued at the mill with his descendants.

Of Note:   Judith RICHES had married Robert MERRISON in Grimston on 15th February 1816 - that is the only marriage in Norfolk for a Judith to a Robert MERRISON and the RICHES were Norfolk millers at Pentney.  Perhaps the property was given to her under a previous will or the Manor Court Rolls
Janet Findley - 26th March 2008

Tithe Award 1837
Map, "Copied by J. Utting, Surveyor, Lynn Regis, 1837"
Owner: John Motteux, Esq.
Occupier: William Gunton

Situations Vacant
WANTED, a respectable steady Single Man as MILLER and BAKER.
Apply to Mr. Twaits, West Newton, Kings Lynn.
Norfolk News - 6th September 1873

O.S. map 1824: Windmill

1825: Robert Merrison, miller

Bryant's map 1826: Windmill

August 1832: Mill advertised for sale by private contract

1833: Robert Merrison, miller & baker

May 1833: Mill advertised for sale or let

White's 1836: Robert Merrison, miller & baker

Tithe Award 1837: Owner: John Motteux, Esq.; Occupier: William Gunton

White's 1845: William Gunton, miller & baker

Index of Wills 1848: Judith Merrison, wife of Robert Merrison, miller

White's 1854: William Fisher Gunton, corn miller, baker & farmer

1858: William Gunton, miller & baker

1863: Samuel Twaits, miller & baker

White's 1864: Samuel Twaits, miller, baker & farmer

1873: Samuel Twaits, miller & baker

1875: Samuel Twaits, miller & baker

Copyright © Jonathan Neville 2005