Norfolk Mills - Saham Toney tower windmill

Faden's Map of Norfolk of 1797 shows quite clearly that Saham had four post mills by the late 18th century, all situated in Saham Hills. The earliest, the most easterly, was Simon_Wyer's_post mill of 1744. In the pages of the Court Rolls there is his request to build "upon that part of the Common pasture in Saham Toney called Saham Hill...". The rent was 5/- a year.
Forty years later Isaac Hardy built two mills, one of which was run by his son Michael from 1802. Isaac's_post_mill stood about opposite the chapel on Saham Hills Road. Michael_Hardy's_mill was sold to William Youngman in 1810, then is passed to his daughter Frances Adcock but it was almost immediately sold again, this time to William Ashley in 1863, for £130. Subsequently this was rebuilt in brick and became known as Ashley's_Tower_Mill and was located up the lane opposite what used to be the Windmill public house.
Robert Whalebelly owned the post mill that stood behind what is now Ngong House (a slight hump in the paddock there may indicate where the foundations stood). In 1841 the land belonged to Phoebe Bowen and its site was a pasture, as it is today. An outhouse carries the initials R. W. and the date 1862. This mill was eventually sold to Robert Joseph Mace, Robert Whalebelly's son-in-law, who advertised himself as a "wind and steam baker" from 1896 and whose sons continued in the same business until 1929.
The land on which Wyer's mill stood passed to Mary Ann Pickling, wife of William, when she inherited land from John Alderton, her father, in 1858. By then the old_mill had probably disappeared, wooden post mills were somewhat less durable than brick ones and rarely lasted 200 years. Both post mills and smock mills were transportable and could be dismantled and re-erected. Bristow's Tower Mill, the only windmill that remains in Saham - and in nothing like its original condition - was built in 1828, as is shown by a date stone that reads: J. & S.B. 1828.
John Bristow retired in 1845 and went to live in Chequers Lane and the mill was taken over by his son who worked it until 1880, and then his son, Robert, was in charge from 1882 until about 1904 after which he advertised himself only as a baker. In 1948 the tower was converted into living accommodation for Mrs. K. M. Tice, and as such it is the only visible remains of what was once an important and flourishing activity in Saham Toney. At the time the maximum number of windmills were operating in Saham the parish was probably milling flour for much of the surrounding district. Watton only seems to have had one mill, near the junction of High Street with the Swaffham road, behind West house.
Windmill at the Hills, Saham Toney - Extracted from the Shadows on the Summer Grass - Robin Brown.

Tithe map 1842 - as redrawn by Harry Apling

To Journeyman Millers
WANTED, a Married Man without incumbrance, who is well acquainted with the MILLING BUSINESS, a Man with a good character, and one used to the Bookkeeping will be preferred.
Apply to Mr. J. Bristow, Miller, Saham Toney, Norfolk.
Norfolk News - 18th December 1858

To Millers & Bakers
WANTED, a Young Man to assist at the Mill and Bake Office as an IMPROVER.
Apply to J. Briston, Miller, Saham Toney.
Norfolk News - 16th August 1862

Situation Vacant
To Millers & Bakers
WANTED, an educated Youth under 16 years of age as an IMPROVER in the Milling & Baking Business.
Apply to John Briston, Saham Toney.
Norfolk News - 23rd August 1862

Situations Vacant
WANTED, an OUT DOOR APPRENTICE to the Baking Business; one who is a good Scholar.
Apply to J. Bristow, Saham Mill, Watton.
Norfolk News - 8th November 1862

Situations Vacant
WANTED, a JOURNEYMAN MILLER, Married without family. Good references.
Apply to J. Bristow, Saham, Watton.
Norfolk News - 4th September 1869

Situations Vacant
WANTED, a Married Man (without family preferred) who can keep accounts, for a Miller's Cart.
Apply to J. Bristow, Miller, Saham, Watton.
Norfolk News - 14th September 1872

Notice re
John Bristow, deceased, late of Saham Toney, Farmer, whose will was proved 27 November by William Ashley of Saham Toney, Miller, one of his Executors.
Norfolk Chronicle - 12th June 1886

Saham Toney & Saham Hills related millers' family tree

Abbotts Estate Agents Property Guide July 1983

Painting by Gillian Blackburn - 1989

The (above) painting by Gillian Blackburn in 1989 was given to me when my husband and I stayed there. The picture measures 20” x 15”. The dome shaped structure was a covered swimming pool. In front of the building on the right was where we played Croquet.
My husband and I stayed in the bedroom at the very top, therefore had a great view, 4 windows, and we got to go out on the very top.
Brenda Bateson - 17th August 2021

EXTENDED 1980
R. G. & G. W.
BLACKBURN

Looking for a home which offers something completely different? How about this beautiful converted mill once owned by singer Shakin’ Stevens? Saham Mill on Ovington Road in Saham Toney is for sale for offers over £575,000 with Abbotts.

O. S. Map 1882
Courtesy of NLS map images

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

Tithe Award 1842 Map 1842 Owner: John Bristow Occupier: do
No. 397	Mill Field	Arable part of	1a. 2r. 37p. 73a. 0r. 29p.	13s. 4d. £22. 14s. 5d.
House etc. at 317 (Chequer Lane)

BRISTOW Robert Himself House & land Gross Rateable value Mill Gross Rateable value Mill Gross Rateable value	Occupier Owner 6a. 3r. 31p. £19. 15. 0 £17 £25 £15 £30 £18
Rate Valuation 1891 from - Notebook of E. R. George


8th August 1936	30th January 1938


c.1990	1990