Toft Monks
drainage pump



1975
1975

Toft Monks drainage mill on Haddiscoe Island, had a 3 storey tower and a Norfolk boat shaped cap with a petticoat, gallery and an 8 bladed fan.The tower was 27 ft 9 ins high to the curb where it had a diameter of 13 ft 9 ins and 2 ft thick walls. The pit wheel was 6ft 4ins diameter with an external cast iron scoop wheel.


c.1982
c.1982

20th February 2009
20th February 2009

November 2021
November 2021

Plans submitted to restore Toft Monks Mill

Plans have been submitted to restore a disused grade II listed brick-built mill.
The new owners of the Toft Monks Mill in the heart of the Norfolk Broads, a Mr and Mrs Singer, want to carry out a comprehensive programme of repair and conservation work to the mill and the surrounding site.
Their aim is to find a sustainable future use for the mill, near Haddiscoe Cut, and its immediate environment that is appropriate to its historic context and incorporates "significant public benefits".
Permission for a full residential conversion of the mill was originally granted in 1974.
The original architect’s plans envisaged a large two-storey extension to the tower of the mill, increasing the floor space by a factor of five times.
The applicants say an extension of that original size would have resulted in a "substantial level of harm to the original fabric of the windmill" and to its historic setting and appearance.
The large scale and massing of the proposed extension would have dominated the "modest dimensions of the windmill tower".
So Mr and Mrs Singer say their conversion work will be rebuilt on the existing foundations, "matching its original form and appearance" as closely as possible.
The plan proposes to relocate the domestic accommodation to a separate freestanding structure 25 metres away from the mill tower.
This would enable the windmill itself to be fully restored to its last working appearance and will allow it to function again for demonstration.
The present scheme will transform the site by opening it up for regular public access. 
Plans say that where they are serviceable, all of the "original cast iron and masonry components will be re-used".
Where replacement parts are required, these will be designed to replicate as accurately as possible those parts that are missing or are not in a fit state to be re-used.
A decision on the plans will be made by the Broads Authority.

Bruno Brown, Beccles & Bungay Journal - 17th July 2023


1964: Cap gone; Remains of two sails and two stocks and machinery in situ

27th June 1974: Planning permission granted to Dr. Martin Scurr to convert to residential accommodation

1979: Residential conversion commenced

2009: Remains of fanstage and waterproofed cap in situ

Nov 2021: Mill advertised for sale with 0.71 acre by Durrants with a guide price of £200,000

July 2023: Plans submitted by owners Mr. & Mrs. Singer, who aim to carry out major repairs and restoration


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Nat Grid Ref TG 44800093
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