East Dereham Windmill facts for kids
Quick facts for kids East Dereham Windmill |
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The mill in 2006
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| Origin | |
| Mill name | Norwich Road Mill Fendick's Mill |
| Mill location | TG 0033 1297 |
| Coordinates | 52°40′38″N 0°57′42″E / 52.67722°N 0.96167°E |
| Operator(s) | Dereham Town Council |
| Year built | 1836 |
| Information | |
| Purpose | Corn |
| Type | Tower mill |
| Storeys | Five storeys |
| No. of sails | Four sails |
| Type of sails | Double Patent sails |
| Windshaft | Cast iron |
| Winding | Fantail |
| Fantail blades | Eight blades |
| Auxiliary power | Steam engine, later replaced by a paraffin engine |
| No. of pairs of millstones | Three pairs |
Norwich Road Mill, also known as Fendick's Mill, is a historic tower mill located in East Dereham, Norfolk, England. It was built in 1836 and used to grind corn. Today, it is a Grade II listed building, which means it is recognized as an important historical site. After a big restoration project, the mill reopened to visitors in 2013. It stands as a great example of old technology and community effort.
Contents
The Story of East Dereham Windmill
Building the Mill
The East Dereham Windmill was built in 1836. A skilled millwright named James Hardy constructed it for Michael Hardy. Michael already owned another type of windmill, a smock mill, in Bittering. Michael Hardy worked the mill himself for a short time. In 1837, he advertised it for rent. John Armes then took over running the mill.
New Owners and Changes
In 1844, Michael Hardy faced money problems, so the mill was sold. William Fendick bought the mill for £650. He also owned a post mill in West End, Shipdham. From 1850 to 1856, John Willden rented and operated the mill.
William Fendick passed away in 1863. His widow, Sarah Fendick, continued the business until 1871. Their son, William Fendick, then took over. During this time, a Steam engine was added to help power the mill when there wasn't enough wind. William worked the mill until he died in 1904.
The mill then went to his son, also named William. In 1909, the mill was sold to Charles Robert Gray and Arthur James Milk. Around 1922, the large sails of the windmill were removed. The steam engine was replaced with a paraffin engine, which is a type of engine that runs on fuel. The mill continued to operate using this engine until 1937.
Saving the Mill
Over the years, there were many efforts to save and restore the mill. In 1973, the mill was sold to Green's Nurseries. After World War II, there was a plan to turn the mill into homes, but this was not allowed. In 1973, a request to tear down the mill was also refused. This was because the mill had become a listed building in 1972, protecting it.
In 1974, Green's Nurseries was asked to repair the mill, but they did not. By 1977, parts of the mill's top and main shaft were removed. In 1978, Breckland District Council bought the mill for just £1.
Restoration Efforts
In 1979, the brickwork, floors, windows, and doors were repaired. This project helped three unemployed people find work for three months. More restoration work was approved later that year. By 1982, renovations were clearly underway.
In 1983, the Girl Guides and Toc H were allowed to use the mill as a meeting place. However, in 1984, the mill was damaged by vandalism. The council approved more repairs and looked into adding electricity and water. The mill was formally opened to the public in September 1987 after more restoration work.
A New Chapter
In 2002, the Dereham Town Council took over the mill. In 2003, a group called the Friends of Dereham Mill tried to get a grant to study the mill. In 2004, a strong wind storm damaged one of the mill's sails. The Friends hoped insurance money would help with the estimated £600,000 needed for a full restoration.
In 2005, people asked for old photos of the mill. They wanted to see what its original sails looked like, as the ones fitted during earlier repairs might have been the wrong type. In 2007, permission was given to build a visitor center at the mill. A grant was sought to make the mill fully working again, but this request was turned down.
The sails had been removed, and there wasn't enough money to fix them. In 2010, the mill was boarded up. A new group of Trustees formed in 2011. They successfully found funding to restore the mill's structure and sails. The work was finished by summer 2013.
Dereham Windmill reopened in September 2013 as a Community Exhibition Centre. It is now open on certain days, with different exhibits each month. By 2020, the ground floor was easy to access for everyone. Guides were available to show visitors the other floors. Each floor explains what happened in that area when the mill was working.
How the Mill Works
Norwich Road Mill is a five-storey tower mill. It has a special boat-shaped top called a cap. This cap turns to face the wind using a fantail, which is like a small windmill at the back. The mill used to have four double Patent sails, which are the large blades that catch the wind.
The tower itself is about 42 feet (12.8 meters) tall. Inside, you can still see the lower part of the upright shaft. This shaft is a large pole that transferred power from the sails to the grinding stones. There is also a large cast iron great spur wheel that is 9 feet (2.7 meters) across. This wheel has wooden teeth. The crown wheel, which received power from the engine, is made of wood.
Millers
Here are some of the people who operated the mill over the years:
- Michael Hardy 1836-37
- John Armes 1837-44
- William Fendick 1844-50
- John Willden 1850-56
- William Fendick 1856-63
- Sarah Fendick 1863-71
- William Fendick 1871-1903
- William Fendick Jr 1903-09
- Charles Robert Gray 1909-22
- Arthur James Milk 1909-26
- Robery Gray Ltd 1926-37
Visiting the Mill
East Dereham Windmill is open to the public on certain days. You can always view the outside of the mill at any time.
