Witton postmill was built in 1809 to replace an older mill and was also known as Ridlington Mill. In 1825 the mill had a roundhouse and was powered by common sails. A horse mill was also on the site.
Another village, also by the name of Witton, is located a few miles away near Blofield, where there is another Witton postmill.

To be LETT or SOLD

The 1841 census lists George Youngman as journeyman miller at Ebridge towermill

Robert Pike snr. inherited the mill from his father in law, Abraham Ames.

When Abraham Ames wrote his will in 1825, his three daughters were already married and all of them were married in Walcot.

Robert Pike married Charlotte Ames on 4th November 1807

Thomas Nichols married Elizabeth Ames on 23rd December 1824

James Kidd married Ann Ames in Walcot on 22nd December 1816

I give and devise to Robert Pike, my son in law, all that piece of land together with the wind corn mill, horse mill, round house, boulting mill, sheds, houses, outhouses, hereditaments and premises therefore standing, situate and being in Witton in the same County of Norfolk, with all and every the stones, wheels, cogs, staves, sails, sail cloths and other cloths, going gears and appertenances whatsoever to and with the said mill belonging, or use or reported or taken as part, parcel or member thereof………………. To hold unto his heirs, executors, administration or assigns………

Also to Elizabeth my daughter, wife of Thomas Nichols aforesaid, miller of Ridlington I leave £200.00

Also to Ann my daughter, wife of James Kidd of Norwich, Carpenter £200.00, but if Ann should die prior to myself that portion goes to Robert Pike, aforementioned.

To my grandson Robert Pike, all those two freehold cottages, with yards, gardens, ground and Pightle of land, rights members appertenances situate in Ridlington to be held by Robert Pike Senr, until my grandson reaches 21 yrs. If Robert Junr dies one cottage goes to Elizabeth wife of Thomas Nichols but not the pightle of land, and the other cottage goes to Robert Pike Senr.

The will was written on 13th November 1825 and proved on 15th October, 1833. Effects sworn under £200.00

March 1763: Mill advertised for sale or let

Faden's map 1797: Mill

c.1809: New mill built on site of earlier mill

1825: Thomas Nicholls, miller; Abraham Ames, owner

Bryant's map 1826: Mill

1833: Abraham Ames, died

1858: George Youngman, miller and farmer

Kelly's 1879: George Youngman, miller and farmer

1883-1916: Jonathan Andrews

1922: William Andrews

c.1924: Mill dismantled

1937: Roundhouse only with roof

1984: Roundhouse being used as a greenhouse. Large door on the south side and a 9 sided glazed roof

Copyright © Jonathan Neville 2004