Pockthorpe
smockmill

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A post mill was marked on a map of land owned by the Dean and Chapter of Norwich and Normans surveyed by William Cooke in 1718. The land the mill stood on was marked as owned by Normans. This may be the site of the Pockthorpe postmill or it may be a predecessor to the smockmill. As the land belonged to the Dean & Chapter of Norwich, the mills were always leased.


Pockthorpe smock mill with a ground floor diameter of 58 feet was built in 1769 on the brickwork of the roundhouse of a former postmill on the same site and was itself replaced by a towermill c.1815, built on the same site.
It would appear from the July 1769 advert, that despite being fitted with French burr stones, normally used to produce flour, the mill had been built to produce animal feed, although it was quite soon converted to flour production.
In 1803 the mill was using patent sails with a fantail to power two pairs of French burr stones, one pair being 5 ft. 3 ins. and the other pair 4 ft. 8 ins. By 1815 the mill was using 3 pairs of French burr stones.
In its later years, the mill was sometimes known as Jeckell's Mill.


To be Sold by Auction
By JONATHON GLEED
At the sign of the Rose in St. Michael at the Pleas in Norwich on Saturday 29th July inst. between the Hours of Two and Four in the Afternoon.

ALL that large new built WINDMILL called Pockthorpe TOWER MILL, now standing upon a Piece of Land containing by Estimation one Acre, lying between Pockthorpe Gates and Magdalen Gates, belonging to the said City of Norwich, with two pair of French Stones and all the other going and running Geers.
N.B. The said Mill has a rowl and screen and was built with the Conveniences to be converted into a Flower mill.
There is now a Lease of the said Acre of Land for the Term of 20 Years from Michaelmas last to be assigned over to the Purchaser.
For further Particulars enquire of Mr. Palmer and Mr. Garrett, Bakers or Messrs. Morphew and Pye, Attornies, Norwich.

Norwich Mercury - 15th, 22nd & 29th July 1769


William Good was the miller when one of his horses was attacked in September 1769


Whereas some evil disposed Person or Persons did on Saturday the 16th instant in the night or early next morning wound in a Barbarous Manner in many Places a Horse belonging to William Good, Miller in the Parish of St. Augustines, which Horse was pastured upon Mousehold Heath,
information - One Guinea Reward -
William Good.
The above William Good returns Thanks to his Customers for past Favours and humbly begs the Continuance of the same.

Norwich Mercury - 23rd September 1769


Willm. Good of ye City of Norwich, Miller. £350 on a Windmill. The Windmill above mentioned being afsigned to John Buck of the City of Norwich, Miller on the back of this Policy is hereby allowed. Afsignmt. N. 53306
Royal Exchange Fire Insurance - 23rd October 1773


The mill was for sale ten years later in 1779, William Good having run into financial trouble.


To be SOLD, and entered upon immediately a complete and capital WIND MILL, situated near Magdalen Gates.
For further particulars enquire of James Rumbelow, at Ingworth_Mills, near Aylsham, or William Stangroom, in St. Martins Lane, Norwich.

Norfolk Chronicle - 23rd January 1779


Any Person that stands indebted to WILLIAM GOOD, Miller, Norwich, are requested to pay the same to William Stangroome, in St. Martins Lane, Norwich, or to James Rumbelow, at Ingworth_Mills, and any Person having any Claim on the said William Good, are desired to send in their Accounts as above.
A capital WIND-MILL to be disposed of.

Norfolk Chronicle - 6th February 1779


It would appear that John Buck bought the mill, mortgaged it and took out a new Fire policy.


16th April 1779. Assignment. £350 on a Windmill William Good assigned to John Buck. The Windmill above mentioned being assigned to Peter Blomefield of the City of Norwich, Baker, on the back of this policy is hereby allowed.
Royal Exchange Fire Insurance Policy No. 53306.


John Buck was listed in Chase's Directory of 1783 as a miller in Cowgate Street. In 1789 he insured the contents of the mill.


19th January 1789. John Buck of the City of Norwich, Miller. On Utensils and Trade in a Windmill situate in the hamlet of Pockthorpe near Norwich aforesaid £100.
Royal Exchange Fire Insurance Policy No. 110147.


On Sunday last, Thomas Marks, Esq. took an inquisition on the body of John Valentine Cubitt, aged seven years, who was accidentally killed by falling into the hopper of a flour-mill, at Pockthorpe, in which he suffocated.
Norfolk Chronicle - 8th August 1789


Malicious rumours were circulated about John Buck and James Daynes of New Catton towermill in 1800.


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
JOHN BUCK
JAMES DAYNES

Norfolk Chronicle - 15th & 22nd February 1800


After John Buck left to go to the St. Stephen's Gates postmill, Thomas Jeckell became the next miller.
The mill was up for auction after his death in 1803.


TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION
by WM. BURT,
On Wednesday, Nov.23, 1803, At the King's Head Inn, Magdalen Street,
Norwich, precisely at four o'clock.

All that Capital SMOCK WIND-MILL, (which turns herself into the wind) situated without Magdalen Gates, and now in full trade, late the property of Mr. THOMAS JECKELL, deceased; comprising a pair of French Stones, 5ft. 3inc. diameter, one pair of do. 4ft. 8inc. good flour mill and cylinder, with all the going gears in complete repair. - Also a granary, 47ft. long and 19ft. wide, able to contain 50 lasts of wheat, with a neat cottage at one end; likewise a summerhouse, stable, cart shed, piggery, and garden, containing upwards of one acre of Land.
Possession may be had immediately after the Auction.
All persons indebted to the Estate of the late Mr. Thomas Jeckell, Miller, are desired to pay the same immediately to Mr. Samuel Sudbury, or to Mr. Robt. Bowen, his Executors.

Norfolk Chronicle - 12th September 1803

The above advert is the first mention in the Norfolk Chronicle of a mill being equipped with a fantail.


To be Sold by Auction
by WM. BURT,
On Wednesday, November 23, 1803
At the King's Head Inn, Magdalen Street, Norwich at 4 o'c

All that Capital SMOCK WIND-MILL, (which turns herself into the wind) situate without Magdalen Gates and now in full trade, late the property of Mr. Thomas Jeckell, deceased; comprising a pair of French Stones, 5 feet 3 inches diameter, one pair of do. 4 feet 8 inches, good flour mill and cylinder, with all the going gears in complete repair. Also a granary, 47 feet long and 19 feet wide, able to contain 50 lasts of wheat, with a neat cottage at one end, likewise a Summerhouse, stable, cart shed, piggery, and garden, containing upwards of one acre of Land.
Possession may be had immediately after the Auction.
Enquire of the Auctioneer, Old Haymarket.
All persons indebted to the Estate of the late Mr. Thomas Jeckell, Miller, are directed to pay the same immediately to Mr. Samuel Sudbury, or to Mr. Robt. Bowen, his Executors.

Norfolk Chronicle - 12th & 19th November 1803


Jeremiah James Colman bought the mill in 1803 and sometime during the next ten years it was demolished and replaced by Pockthorpe towermill.


Jeremiah Colman
Born 16 July 1777
Baptised 6 August 1777 at Ashwellthorpe
Son of ROBERT COLMAN (1749-1807) and Mary (née Harmer)
Learned business of miller at BAWBURGH_watermill (then corn, later paper mill) starting there in 1802.

In March 1804 purchased smock mill on eastern side of Magdalen Road, Pockthorpe, Norwich, near Silver Road.
Moved from Bawburgh to Norwich in July 1804.
Windmill "late JECKELL'S"
Peck, Norwich Directory 1802, Thomas Jeckell, corn merchant, 127 Magdalen Street, Norwich.
In 1814 took lease of watermill at STOKE HOLY CROSS.
In mid 18th Cent. a Mr. Denny (died 1767) was making paper there.
He was succeeded by a Mr. Ames who manufactured mustard.
JEREMIAH COLMAN decided to combine corn and mustard rather than revert to paper.
Married c.1794. Wife ANNE
Had no children. Died 1851 aged 74
Brother Robert had eleven sons

JAMES
|
JEREMIAH JAMES
|
RUSSELL JAMES
(1861 - 1946)
EDWARD
|
FREDERICK
|
GORDON
JEREMIAH etc.
|
JEREMIAH
Harry Apling - c.1982

To be Sold by Auction in May
Unless sooner disposed of by Private Contract

A Capacious TOWER WINDMILL in excellent condition, with three pair of French Stones, 4½ ft. and 5 ft., three flour mills and patent sails of the best construction, capable of working the whole at the same time. The diameter of the lower floor is 48 feet. A horse mill is attached, a granary 18 by 46 feet, stable etc.
Also a modern brick built Dwelling House . . .
The premises are situated on an eminence near Magdalen Gates, they command a beautiful view of the city of Norwich and the adjacent country are within a few hundred yards of the navigable river to Yarmouth.
The above are in the occupation of Mr. Jeremiah Colman, the proprietor (who has engaged a larger concern) to whom application may be made and possession may be had at Midsummer.
The purchaser may be accommodated with 20 acres of Arable Land.

Norfolk Chronicle - 2nd April 1814

To be Sold by Auction
by WM. BURT,
On Saturday, May 28, 1814 at 4 o'c
At the Angel, in the Market Place, Norwich

A Capacious TOWER WINDMILL in excellent condition, with three pair of French Stones, 4½ ft. and 5 ft., three flour mills and patent sails of the best construction, capable of working the whole at the same time. The diameter of the lower floor is 58 feet. A horse mill is attached, a granary 18 by 46 feet, stable etc.
Also a modern brick built Dwelling House . . .
The premises are situated on an eminence near Magdalen Gates, they command a beautiful view of the city of Norwich and the adjacent country are within a few hundred yards of the navigable river to Yarmouth.
The above are in the occupation of Mr. Jeremiah Colman, the proprietor (who has engaged a larger concern) to whom application may be made and possession may be had at Midsummer.
The purchaser may be accommodated with 20 acres of Arable Land.

Norfolk Chronicle - 14th, 21st & 28th May 1814

To be Sold by Private Contract

A Capacious TOWER WINDMILL in excellent condition, with three pair of French Stones, 4½ ft. and 5 ft., three flour mills and patent sails of the best construction, capable of working the whole at the same time. The diameter of the lower floor is 58 feet. A horse mill is attached, a granary 18 by 46 feet, stable etc.
Also a modern brick built Dwelling House . . .
The premises are situated on an eminence near Magdalen Gates, they command a beautiful view of the city of Norwich and the adjacent country are within a few hundred yards of the navigable river to Yarmouth.
The Land on which the Buildings stand belongs to the Dean & Chapter of Norwich; the lease of which is renewed for 21 years from Michaelmas next.
The premises may be viewed and the price known, by applying to Mr. Jeremiah Colman, the proprietor. Possession may be had immediately and the purchaser may be accommodated with nearly twenty acres of arable land for a term of years.

Norfolk Chronicle - 16th & 23rd July 1814

To be Sold
With Immediate Possession

An excellent and capacious TOWER WINDMILL with patent sails, three pair of French Stones, flour mills etc. complete, also a good Dwelling House, granary and stable. The situation is well calculated for an extensive trade, being very near Norwich where the river is navigable to Yarmouth. The purchaser may be accommodated with about 60 acres of arable land on lease.
Apply to Jeremiah Colman, Mustard Manufacturer, Stoke Mills, near Norwich.
J. C. takes this opportunity of thanking the friends of Mr. Ames (his predecessor in the mustard trade) for having so generally transferred their orders to him and he begs leave to assure them and all other dealers who may be pleased to favour him with mustard of the best quality at the London prices.

Norfolk Chronicle - 3rd & 10th June 1815

To Millers
to be Sold
With Immediate Possession

A TOWER WINDMILL with Granary etc. well adapted for carrying on an extensive business, a good Dwelling house. Also the lease of a small Farm of which there are six years unexpired; the Land in a high state of cultivation. The above is pleasantly situated in the vicinity of Norwich.
Apply to Messrs. Grand & Staff, Solrs. Norwich.
Norfolk Chronicle - 14th & 21st October 1815

To be SOLD by AUCTION
At the Norfolk Hotel, St. Giles' street, Norwich, On Saturday, November 4th 1815, precisely at four o'clock in the afternoon.

A Capital Brick TOWER WINDMILL, with all its machinery complete, adapted for manufacturing six lasts of corn per week, and a considerable dwelling-house, with stables, yard, two granaries and a newly erected horsemill attached, all pleasantly situated together, within a very short distance of Norwich, and half a mile of the navigable river to Yarmouth.
The above premises are well calculated for the business of a miller, or for any mercantile concern.
The property is well worth the attention of purchasers, as a considerable sum has lately been expended in its improvement, and if required a great part of the purchase money may remain.
Immediate possession may be had.
For particulars and conditions of sale apply to Messrs. Simpson and Rackham, Solicitors, Norwich.

Norfolk Chronicle - 21st October 1815.

1769: Mill built

July 1769: Mill advertised for sale by auction

1769: William Good, miller

1773: William Good, owner & miller; mill assigned to John Buck, miller

23rd October 1773: Mill insured by Royal Exchange Fire Insurance for £350

1779: William Good, miller

1779: John Buck, miller

Faden's map 1797: Windmill

1789: John Buck, miller

1800: John Buck, miller

Poll Book 1802: Thomas Jeckell, miller

Peck's 1802: Thomas Jeckell, corn & coal merchant, 127 Magdalen St.

1803: Thomas Jeckell, miller, died

September 1803: Mill advertised for sale by auction

November 1803: Mill advertised for sale by auction

March 1804: Mill bought by Jeremiah James Colman

1804:
Jeremiah James Colman, miller

1810:
Jeremiah James Colman, miller

April 1814: Mill advertised for sale by auction

July 1814: Mill advertised for sale by private contract

June 1815: Mill advertised for sale

October 1815: Mill advertised for sale

c.1815: Mill dismantled and replaced by a towermill on the same site

1848: Mill base still standing


If you have any memories, anecdotes or photos please let us know and we may be able to use them to update the site. By all means telephone 07836 675369 or

Nat Grid Ref TG234099
 
-1718+ then 1769 to 1815+
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