East Wretham Windmill facts for kids
Quick facts for kids East Wretham Windmill |
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|---|---|
| Origin | |
| Mill name | East Wretham Mill |
| Mill location | TL 9251 9057 |
| Coordinates | 52°28′44.88″N 0°50′00.29″E / 52.4791333°N 0.8334139°E |
| Operator(s) | Private |
| Year built | c1875 |
| Information | |
| Purpose | Corn |
| Type | Tower mill |
| Storeys | Four storeys |
| No. of sails | Four sails |
| Type of sails | Double Patent sails |
| Windshaft | Cast iron |
| Winding | Fantail |
| No. of pairs of millstones | Two pairs |
The East Wretham Mill is a historic windmill found in East Wretham, a village in Norfolk, England. This impressive building, once used for grinding corn, has now been transformed into a home. It stands as a reminder of how people used wind power in the past.
Contents
What is East Wretham Mill?
East Wretham Mill is a special type of windmill known as a tower mill. This means it has a tall, round stone or brick tower. It was built to grind corn into flour, a process called milling. Today, it no longer grinds corn but serves as a unique place to live.
A Look at the Mill's History
When Was the Mill Built?
The East Wretham Mill was first mentioned in an advertisement in 1875. The ad described it as "newly erected," meaning it was just built around that time. However, maps from as early as 1826 show a mill in the same spot. This suggests there might have been an older mill there before the current one was built.
Who Operated the Mill?
Records show that millers worked at this site until 1872. After the new mill was built, Edmund Land became the miller in 1878. He had worked at another mill nearby before coming to East Wretham. Later, Walter Weggett took over, followed by Walter Littleproud in 1883. These millers were important to the local community, providing flour for bread and other foods.
What Happened to the Mill?
By 1926, the mill was no longer working and had become neglected. It stood empty for many years. Then, around 1958, the mill was given a new purpose. It was carefully changed into a house, allowing this historic building to be used and cared for once again.
How the Mill Worked
What Did the Mill Look Like?
East Wretham Mill is a four-storey tower mill. This means it has four levels inside its tall tower. At the very top, it had a rounded roof called a "domed cap." This cap could turn to face the wind.
How Did It Catch the Wind?
The mill had four large arms, known as sails. These were "double Patent sails," a special type designed to catch the wind efficiently. One pair of these sails had many small sections, or "shutters," that could open and close. This helped control how much wind the sails caught.
How Did It Turn?
To make sure the sails always faced the wind, the mill had a fantail. This was a small windmill at the back of the cap. As the wind changed direction, the fantail would spin, automatically turning the main cap and sails to catch the most wind. The tower itself stands about 32 feet (around 9.75 meters) tall up to the cap.
What Did It Grind?
Inside the mill, there were two pairs of large grinding stones called "French Burr millstones." These heavy stones would spin against each other, crushing the corn placed between them to make flour. This was the main job of the mill.
