Catton towermill stood on Mill Hill just to the east side of St Clement's Hill, adjacent to the postmill. The mill was built as a five storey tower and then increased by a further floor by 1834, by which time the mill was operating as a sawmill. In 1800 the mill using 4 x 12 yard common sails and in 1805 these were powering two pairs of French burr stones. By 1819 the mill had been updated to run with patent sails and by 1853, these were powering 3 pairs of French burr stones, 2 flour mills and a cylinder. A horse mill was also used on the site.

To be SOLD
A DWELLING HOUSE and piece of LEASEHOLD LAND containing by estimation Two Acres or thereabouts, for the Remainder of a Term of Eighty Years of which there are Thirteen years yet to come and will expire the 10th April 1788.
Also two exceeding good CORN WINDMILLS now in full Business and excellent Repair standing on the said Leasehold Land.
For further Particulars enquire of Mr. North, Attorney in Norwich.
Norfolk Chronicle - 25th February 1775

To be SOLD
TWO WINDMILLS standing out of Magdalen Gates, City of Norwich, commonly called CATTON MILLS.
Also a House, Stables, Brewhouse etc. together with a Piece of Land containing two Acres by Estimation, Leasehold, of which there are 13 Years unexpired.
For further Particulars enquire of Mr. John Nickless of Tasburgh or of him at the Red Lion in St. Stephens on Wednesdays or Saturdays.
Likewise the Lease of a Parcel of Land adjoining to the same containing 17 Acres, more or less, if it be agreeable to the Purchaser. Together with a Barn standing on the Premises.
Norfolk Chronicle - 22nd March 1775

All persons to whom Jonathan Nethercoat late of Catton in Norfolk, Miller, deceased, stood indebted at the Time of his Death are desired to send an account immediately of such their debts to Messrs. Dewing & Russell, Attornies at Norwich.
Norfolk Chronicle - 23rd May 1789

Catton miller, Jonathan Nethercoat had died by May 1789 and was replaced by James Daynes. In February 1800 malicious rumours were circulating that James Daynes and John Buck of Pockthorpe_smockmill were adulterating wheat. They repudiated this accusation.

Norwich, FEB.13, 1800.
WHEREAS some evil minded persons have raise a false and malicious report, that we, the undersigned Millers, have been guilty of adulterating the Wheat Meal which we sell, by mixing Barley with it, and that we have been convicted of the same before the Mayor, and paid the penalty imposed by Act of Parliament for such practices, -- Now, such report being totally untrue and unfounded, and tending to injure us in our trade, and even to endanger our lives, we hereby offer a reward of TEN GUINEAS, to any person or persons who shall give us such information of the authors or circulators of such reports, as may enable us, in a Court of Law to convict them of the same. As witness our hands

On the 27th May 1800 there was a fatal accident at the mill. The unfortunate incident indicated that the mill was a "right handed" mill, as were the majority of Norfolk windmills.

On Tuesday last an inquisition was taken at Mr. James Daines's windmill, in St. Clement's parish, by Thomas Marks, Gent. on view of the body of Wm. Spice, aged 50 years, who inconsiderately (as the sails were revolving) was going into the mill, under the same, when it unfortunately appeared that the whip of one of the said sails struck him on and mortally fractured his left temple, which was the accidental cause of his death.
Norfolk Chronicle - 31st May 1800

TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION
By WM. BURT,
(If not before disposed of by Private Contract),
On Saturday 28th June inst. At the Angel Inn, Norwich, at Four o'clock in the afternoon precisely.

THE TOWER WIND-MILL at Catton advertised to be Sold by Auction at the Angel Inn on the 28th instant is DISPOSED of by Private Contract.
Norfolk Chronicle - 21st June 1800

However, the mill was sold privately before the auction.

In December 1800 an accident happened to a Catton resident. This could have occurred at Catton mill or possibly another mill but is included for interest.

Thursday last, Thomas Carlton, of Catton, was conveyed to the Hospital, with a fractured leg, occasioned by a fall from the sails of a mill.
Norfolk Chronicle - 27th December 1800

Thomas Jeckell may have been the miller in 1802; He was listed in the Norwich Poll Book as a miller in
St. Clement. He later ran Pockthorpe smockmill.
Catton towermill was the cause, indirectly, of another death on the 24th June 1802.

Sunday last an inquisition was taken by Thomas Marks, Gent. on John Kidd, the Oulton Carrier, aged 34 years, who on Friday last was thrown from his cart, near this city, by the horse taking fright at Catton windmill, running away and oversetting the cart, by which means the said John Kidd had his right leg so dreadfully fractured, that he died in consequence thereof. - Verdict, Accidental Death.
Norfolk Chronicle - 3rd July 1802

Also in 1802, James Daines had been appointed to run the new (and first) Steam Mill in Norwich, which had been built by the Norwich Flour Company.

TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION,
By WM. BURT,

The sale was caused by the death of William Johnson, who had followed James Daynes as miller.

Notice to Debtors and Creditors
Such persons as are indebted to William Johnson, late of Catton Mill near Norwich, are requested to pay debts to Mr. Jacob Mealing, Merchant in King Street.
Norfolk Chronicle - 27th April 1805

TO BE SOLD

To be SOLD by Private Contract

James Lincoln had taken the mill by June 1811, when he offered the horse mill for sale.

TO BE SOLD CHEAP

To be SOLD by AUCTION,
By Mr. Culley,

TO BE LET
Within a short distance of the city of Norwich.

The reference has been lately winded may mean a fantail had recently been fitted. In 1819 James Lincoln was modernising the mill. He financed the work by selling the house and the old common sails.

A DESIRABLE SITUATION,
NEAR Norwich,
To be SOLD by Private Contract.
With early Possession.

The modernised mill, with new patent sails was to let in September 1820

TO MILLERS TO BE LET
With Immediate Possession

There was another robbery near the mill in 1820

On Saturday night last, as J. Hammond, who had that evening left the service of Alderman Hawkes, was returning home, he was overtaken on the Catton Road just beyond the Wind-mill, by a drover who attacked him with a bludgeon, with which he lacerated his head in a dreadful manner, cutting several holes in his hat, and left him (as the villain supposed) for dead, when the Catton Patrole coming up took him into custody, which he submitted to without resistance as they were armed, which he noticed by observing to them that he saw "they had under their coats cutters and pistols."
Norfolk Chronicle - 18th November 1820

James Lincoln was declared bankrupt on the 28th November 1823

WHEREAS a Commission of Bankrupt is awarded and issued forth against JAMES LINCOLN, of the City of Norwich, Miller, Dealer and Chapman, and he being declared a Bankrupt, is hereby required to surrender himself to the Commissioners in the Commission named, or the major part of them, on the seventeenth & eighteenth of December instant and the thirteenth of January next, at Four of the clock in the Afternoon, on each of the said days, at the Castle Inn, situate in the parish of Saint Peter of Mancroft, in the city of Norwich, and make a full discovery and disclosure of his Estate and Effects, when and where the Creditors are to come prepared to prove their Debts, and at the second sitting to choose Assignees, and at the last sitting the said Bankrupt is required to finish his examination, and the Creditors are to assent to or dissent from the allowance of his certificate; -- All persons indebted to the said Bankrupt or that have any of his effects, are not to pay or deliver the same but to whom the Commissioners shall appoint, but give notice to Messrs. Parkinson and Staff, Solicitors, Norwich.
Norfolk Chronicle - 13th December 1823

To be SOLD by Auction,
By WILLIAM SPELMAN,
On Wednesday, the 31st of December, 1823,
By Order of the Assignees,

THE Sale of Mr. LINCOLN's FURNITURE, MALT, &c. having been unavoidably
POSTPONED, will now take place,
On Wednesday, the 7th of January, 1824,
At Eleven o'clock, when will be
Peremptorily SOLD by AUCTION,
By WM. SPELMAN

To be SOLD by AUCTION,
By Mr. SPELMAN,
By Order of the Assignees of JAMES LINCOLN,
A BANKRUPT,
On Monday, February 2nd, 1824,
At Four o'clock in the Afternoon,
At the Castle Inn, St. Peter of Mancroft, Norwich.

The Commissioners in a Commission of Bankrupt awarded against James Lincoln, of the City of Norwich, Miller, Dealer and Chapman, to meet on 3 April next.
London Gazette - 27th March 1824

Commissioners in a Commission of Bankrupt bearing date 28th November 1823 awarded and issued against James Lincoln of Norwich, Miller, dealer and chapman to meet on 6th December next in Norwich.
Norfolk Chronicle - 20th November 1824

James Lincoln was petitioning for relief from his bankruptcy in 1841

Robert Calver was the next miller. He was born c.1796 in Banham. He suffered the same fate as his predecessor, going bankrupt in 1826.

WHEREAS a Commission of Bankrupt is awarded and issued forth against ROBERT CALVER, of the City of Norwich, Miller, Dealer and Chapman, and he being declared a Bankrupt, is hereby required to surrender himself to the Commissioners in the Commission named, or the major part of them, on the seventeenth and twentieth days of February instant, at five o'clock in the Afternoon on each of the said days, and on the eighteenth day of March next, at Nine o'clock in the Forenoon, at the Norfolk Hotel, in the city of Norwich, and make a full discovery and disclosure of his Estate and Effects, when and where the Creditors are to come prepared to prove their Debts, and at the second sitting to choose Assignees, and at the last sitting the said Bankrupt is required to finish his examination, and the Creditors are to assent to or dissent from the allowance of his certificate; -- All persons indebted to the said Bankrupt or that have any of his effects, are not to pay or deliver the same but to whom the Commissioners shall appoint, but give notice to Messrs. Poole, Greenfield, and Gamlen, of Gray's Inn Square, London, or Messrs. Parkinson and Staff, Solicitors, Norwich.
Norfolk Chronicle - 4th February 1826

Robert Calver was in partnership with his younger brother Thomas, who was a timber merchant. Thomas Calver was born c.1801, also in Banham.

NOTICE

Robert Calver's effects were for auction in February and March 1826.

To Millers, Bakers, and the Public.
To be SOLD by AUCTION,
By WM. SPELMAN
On Saturday the 25th Feb. 1826,
At half-past One o'clock, at Mr. Squire's Granary, Duke's Palace Wharf, Norwich,
By order of the Assignees of Mr. ROBERT CALVER,

However, the bankruptcy was not so straightforward as most

THE Creditors who have proved their Debts under a Commission of Bankruptcy, awarded and issued forth against ROBERT CALVER, of the city of Norwich, Miller, dealer and chapman, are desired to meet the Assignees of the Estate and Effects of the said Bankrupt, at the Norfolk Hotel, in the said city of Norwich, on Monday, the twenty seventh day of March instant, at Eleven o'clock in the Forenoon, to assent to or dissent from the said Assignees commencing, prosecuting and defending any action or actions, suit or suits of Law, or in equity, for the recovery of any part of the said Bankrupt's Estate and Effects, or to their compounding or agreeing to any action or suit to be commenced, prosecuted of defended as aforesaid, upon such terms and in such manner as they shall think proper. And also to assent to or dissent from the said Assignees selling and disposing of the real and personal Estate of the said Bankrupt, or any part or parts thereof, either by Private Contract or by Public Auction, and (as to the personal Estate) either for ready money or on credit; and with security or otherwise. And also to assent to or dissent from the said Assignees adjusting and settling the accounts between the said Bankrupt and his late partner Mr. Thomas Calver, respecting the Timber trade lately carried on by them in Co-partnership, in such manner as the said Assignees shall think proper, and to submit such Partnership accounts to arbitration, and to compound or otherwise agree respecting the same as they shall think proper, and also to authorize the said Assignees to adjust and settle the account of the said Bankrupt and Robert Crytoft Harvey, of Alburgh, in the county of Norfolk, Miller. And also to assent to or dissent from the Assignees selling to any person or persons, all or any of the outstanding Debts due to the said Bankrupt, And also to confirm the sales already made by the said Assignees of parts of the personal Estate of the said Bankrupt, and other special affairs.

CALVER'S BANKRUPTCY

ROBERT CALVER'S BANKRUPTCY

The bankruptcy was finally settled in November 1828.

THE Commissioners in a Commission of Bankruptcy, Bearing date the 19th day of January, 1826, awarded and issued forth against ROBERT CALVER, of the city of Norwich, Miller, dealer, and Chapman, intend to meet (by adjournment) on Friday, the twelfth day of December next, at four o'clock in the afternoon, at the Norfolk Hotel, Norwich, in order to make a final Dividend of the Estate and Effects of the said Bankrupt; When and where the Creditors who have not already proved their debts are to come prepared to prove the same, or they will be excluded the benefit of the said dividend - and all claims not then proved will be disallowed.
Norfolk Chronicle - 29th November 1828

Robert Calver was still at the mill in 1830, when there was a riot that resulted in the mill being set on fire.

Attack on a Sawing Mill. - On Monday afternoon, a large number of men and boys, riotously attacked the premises of Mr. Robert Calver, timber merchant, situate at New Catton, in the parish of St. Clement, within the jurisdiction of this city. After breaking into the yard, some of them ran towards the sawing mill which they forcibly entered and destroyed the machinery and other property therein; others went to the stable, the door of which one of Mr. Calver's servants had just fastened up inside; but the soon knocked the shutters out and three or four got in at the window, took some hay out of the rack and carried it towards the mill which was afterwards set on fire.
Intimation of this outrage having been conveyed to a principal resident in Catton, that gentleman on arriving at the spot found it necessary to apply for assistance from the Horse Barracks; and about six o'clock he returned with a detachment of Dragoons (dismounted) under the command of Lieut. John Luxford, whom he assisted in securing two boys on the premises. - Both these were seen running out of the door of the mill when it was in flames. Three other persons were afterwards apprehended; one of them was taken in the avenue leading to the mill with a great piece of wood in his hands, who had been active amongst a crowd of people attempting a rescue. Another was captured in the act of throwing a stone at the soldiers who were conducting the prisoners.
Nothing could exceed the alacrity with which Lieut. Luxford, of the First Royals brought up his detachment; and the mingled firmness and forbearance with which he and his men performed their duty on the occasion claim particular notice. For they had to convey the culprits through a long line of streets on their way to the Guildhall, followed and at times almost surrounded by a crowd of persons who not content with venting their fury in clamour and abuse, resorted as usual to the execrable practice of throwing stones, by which means a gentleman and several of the escort were severely bruised. About seven o'clock they arrived at the Hall, where the Mayor and other Magistrates were sitting, and an examination immediately took place, which ended in the committal of the prisoners to the City Gaol, whither they were attended by an additional escort of mounted Dragoons. - An humane prosecution, for the mob ripe for any mischief, had by that time accumulated in such numbers round the Hall, as rendered it doubtful whether the smaller party of soldiers on foot would not have otherwise been compelled to use their pistols in self defence.
Norfolk Chronicle - 4th December 1830

Commitments to the City Gaol. (By J. Angell, Esq, Mayor)
Edward Roberts, Edward Thompson, and Jonath. Gilver, charged with unlawfully, riotously, and tumultously assembling in the parish of St. Clement, and did there begin to pull down, destroy, and set on fire a saw-mill, against the peace, &c. and Samuel Chittock, charged with having joined with various other persons and unlawfully did make an assault upon the soldiers who were conducting certain persons before the Magistrates for examination, contrary to the form of statute in that case made and provided.
Norfolk Chronicle - 11th December 1830

CITY ASSIZES
PRISONERS

The mill was rebuilt and at the same time it was raised by one storey. It may have been to let in January and May 1833 when a mill within one mile of the city was advertised in the Norfolk Chronicle but it was certainly advertised to be let in March 1834.

TO MILLERS.
TO BE LET WITH IMMEDIATE POSSESSION

Robert Calver later went on to run sawmills at Sprowston

Robert Kidall was the miller in 1836. He was born c.1811 in Wiggenhall St. Germans, Norfolk. He left to take a mill at Reedham and was followed by James Capon, who was there in 1839 and listed in Robson's directory. James Capon was born c.1814 in Rollesby. In 1841 James Capon was given as a miller aged 25 living in Mill Hill, St. Clement's with wife Mary (23) and sons James (5) and Albert (1). Also given was John Hammond (20), a miller's man living at Mill Hill, St. Clement. John Hammond later ran Pockthorpe_towermill. James Capon was listed in Blyth's Directory of 1842.

The mill was damaged in a thunderstorm on the 19th June 1842.

GALE DAMAGE

VALUABLE ESTATES
TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION
By Mr. GEO. WOODROW
On Wednesday, the 13th day of March 1844,
At the George Inn, Haymarket, Norwich,
At Six o'clock in the Evening punctually,
THE UNDER-MENTIONED VALUABLE
FREEHOLD ESTATES

James Capon left to run Mile Cross smockmill. Benjamin Springall was the next miller, having been at Surlingham mill. A freehold dwelling house near Mr. Springall's Mill at St Clement's was advertised for sale in November 1847. Benjamin Springall was born c.1815 at Worstead. In 1851 he was given as a miller aged 36 living in Mill Hill, St. Clement with his wife Elizabeth (33), and son William (8). His father Isaac (67), was also living with him.
However, James Capon was listed in Hunt and Co.'s Directory of 1850 as a miller at New Catton. In 1851 James Capon was given as a miller aged 37 living in St. Clement Hill, St. Clements with his wife Mary A. (38), sons James John (15); Albert Robert (11); Charles Henry (9); William Thomas (7); Walter George (5) Ernest Frederick (3), and daughters Mary A. (13) and Alice Susannah (1). Also living with him was his mother-in-law Elizabeth Benstead (81).

TO MILLERS,
TO BE LET,
With Immediate Possession, if required,

Benjamin Springall was listed in White's Directory of 1854 as a corn miller at New Catton. In that year he appeared in Court charged with killing pigeons.

Police Intelligence.
GUILDHALL, WEDNESDAY, FEB. 15.

A Mr. Howard may have been employed at the mill and he was married on the 9th of November 1854.

MARRIED

Benjamin Springall was listed in Melville's Directory of 1856 as a miller at New Catton. In 1861 he was given as the landlord of the Bakers Arms public house, with his wife Elizabeth (43) and son William (18). In 1871 he was given as a miller aged 56 lodging at 2, Rump's Buildings, Sprowston Road, St. Clement's. In 1881 he was given as a retired miller aged 66, living in St. Giles Hill, St. Giles with his wife Elizabeth (63). John Custance Hammond had taken the mill by 1858. In 1861 he was given as a master miller aged 45 employing 1 man, living in Mill House, Mill Lane, St. Clement's with his wife Lydia (45). He was listed in White's Directory of 1868 as a corn miller in New Catton and in Harrod's Directory as a corn miller at Catton Hill. Also listed in that directory was John Andrews, who had previously been at the Pockthorpe towermill. In 1871 John Hammond was given as a miller aged 53 living in Mill Hill, St. Clement's with his wife Lydia (49).

TO BE LET OR SOLD

William George Bond took the mill, having previously been at Mile Cross smockmill. John Custance Hammond retired to Drayton Road and in 1881, he was given as a retired miller aged 63 living at 1, Cossey Terrace, Lower Hellesdon Road, St. Clement Without with wife Lydia (59). He died on the 10th May 1897, aged 80.

The mill was marked on the 1873 map. William George Bond was listed in Hamilton's Directory of 1879 as a miller and merchant, Mill Yard, New Catton. In 1881 he was given a miller aged 42 as living in Mill Hill, St. Clement's Without with wife Anna (38) and son William (7 months). Also living with him was his mother, Martha (83) and his aunt Mary J. Bradfield (77).

William George Bond was listed in Eyre's Directory of 1883 as a miller at Mill Hill.

To be Let

Poll Book 1768: Thomas Brereton Steward, miller

February 1775: Mill advertised for sale along with New Catton postmill and the mill house

March 1775: Mill advertised for sale along with New Catton postmill, the house, stables and brewhouse

Poll Book 1784: Thomas Brereton Steward, miller

Poll Book 1785: Isaac Ayton

Poll Book 1789: Jonathan Nethercoat, miller

Poll Book 1800: James Daynes, miller

May 1800: William Spice, aged 50, died after being hit on the head by one of the mill sails

June 1800: Mill advertised for sale by auction

June 1800: Mill sold by private contract prior to auction

Poll Book 1805: William Johnson

1805: William Johnson, miller, died

April 1805: Mill advertised for sale by auction

August 1806: Mill advertised for sale

October 1808: Mill advertised for sale by private contract

Poll Book 1811: James Lincoln

June 1811: Horse mill advertised for sale

February 1813: Mill advertised for sale by auction

August 1814: Mill advertised to be let along with horse mill

July 1819: Mill advertised for sale by private contract

September 1820: Mill advertised to be let

Poll Book 1823: James Lincoln

28th November 1823: James Lincoln declared bankrupt

January 1824: James Lincoln's effects advertised for sale by auction

January 1824: Mill advertised for sale by auction

Bryant's map 1826: Windmill

1826: Robert Calver, born c.1796 in Banham, declared bankrupt

March 1826: Robert Calver's effects advertised for sale by auction

1830: Robert Calver, miller

1830: Riot set saw mill on fire and caused severe damage

January 1833: Mill advertised to be let

May 1833: Mill advertised to be let

Manning's map 1834: Sawing Mill

March 1834: Mill advertised to be let, having been rebuilt

O.S. map 1836: Windmill

1836: Robert Kidall, miller, born c.1811 in Wiggenhall St. Germans, miller

1839: James Capon, miller

1840: James Capon, miller

1842: James Capon, miller

19th June 1842: Mill damaged in a gale

March 1844: Mill advertised for sale by auction

1846: Benjamin Springall, miller

1850: Benjamin Springall, miller

1852: Benjamin Springall, miller

April 1853: Mill advertised to be let

1854: Benjamin Springall, miller

1856: Benjamin Springall, miller

1858: John Hammond, miller

1859: John Hammond, miller

1863: John Hammond, miller

1864: John Hammond, miller

1865: John Hammond, miller

1867: John Hammond, miller

1868: John Hammond, miller

c.1868: Mrs. Hammond, miller

March 1871: Mill advertised to be sold or let

1872: William George Bond, miller

Morant's map 1873: Windmill

1875: William George Bond, miller

1878: William George Bond, miller

1879: William George Bond, miller

1883: William George Bond, miller

O.S. map 1883: Catton Windmill (Corn)

June 1886: Mill advertised to be let

White's 1888: William George Bond, miller & corn merchant, Mill Hill, New Catton