Faden's map of 1797 also shows a New W. Mill to the southwest of the watermill. This was the towermill that had been built a few years earlier, as it was burgled on Friday 13th January 1786, when some nine bushels of wheat meal were stolen, causing Robert Beeston to offer a reward of five guineas.

Thomas Priest, who died and was then buried on 9th September 1793, had a daughter, Judith Ladle, born out of wedlock to Mary Ladle and she was baptised on 16th May 1784. Both Wighton watermill and windmill were taken over by Robert Beeston upon the death of Thomas Priest and Robert continued to take care of Judith Ladle, who was 9 years old at the death of her father. It was later mentioned in the will of Samuel Priest, miller at Newton by Castle Acre watermill, that one of his executors, Robert Beeston was keeping the mill at Wighton along with Judith Ladle.

On Tuesday 18th May 1819, a millwright was working on top of the towermill when a sudden gust of wind started up the fantail at the rear of the mill, causing him to fall to his death.

It would appear that the mill was rebuilt by Lord Coke in 1826 as the foundation stone has been preserved and is still in the village

The machinery and all fixtures and fittings were sold by auction on Wednesday 3rd July 1895. By 1933 the towermill was derelict and during a storm that year tower was struck by lightning. The ensuing fire destroyed the remains of the cap and floors. The Home Guard blew up the remaining shell as an explosives excercise during the second world war.

1793: Thomas Priest, miller, died

1797: Robert Beeston also at Wighton watermill

Wighton poll book 1802: Robert Beeston

1805: Robert Beeston died

1824: Walter Thurtell leased Mill Farm, along with Wighton watermill and windmill from the Holkham Estate for 19 yrs at £225 p.a.

Pigot's 1830: Walter Thurtell (1830 - 1850)

White's 1836: Walter Thurtell

White's 1845: Walter Thurtell

1850: Walter Thurtell, maltster and merchant

Copyright © Jonathan Neville 2004