1825
High Mill built
Poringland High Mill was built by Henry Lock to replace an earlier post mill.
Site overview
Poringland towermill, known as High Mill, stood on the south side of Stoke Road on the west side of Poringland. It was built in 1825 by the millwright Henry Lock to replace an earlier post mill. The five-storey brick tower worked three pairs of French burr stones with two flour mills and a jumper, using four double-shuttered patent sails on an iron windshaft and a six-bladed fantail.
It was severely damaged in a storm in July 1832 but continued in use. Steam auxiliary power was introduced during the 1880s, and directories record a succession of millers through the nineteenth century. The mill was demolished in 1906.
The consulted sources identify the site and machinery in detail, but there is no surviving tower at the site.
Map
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No site photograph is currently available. Images will be added as field visits are carried out.
History
Poringland High Mill was a five-storey brick tower mill built in 1825 on the south side of Stoke Road, west of Poringland village. It replaced an earlier post mill and was built and owned by Henry Lock, the Norwich millwright also associated with Bracondale and Peafield towermills in Lakenham. The mill stood in a notably elevated position and was described in 1835 as a superior brick tower windmill erected within the previous ten years on approved principles.
Its machinery included an iron windshaft, four double-shuttered patent sails, three pairs of French burr stones of 4 ft 4 in and 4 ft 6 in diameter, two flour mills and a jumper. A six-bladed fan turned the mill to wind. The site also included a dwelling house, cottages, cart lodge, piggeries, barn, stable, school-room and granary.
In July 1832 the mill was struck during a severe storm, which tore off the cap and badly shattered the structure. It was nevertheless advertised for sale in December 1835 and remained in use under a succession of millers including Samuel Colman, John Parker, Joseph Wallage, William Beverley, Thomas Rayner, William Seaman, Oscar John Sayer and Horace Freestone. Steam auxiliary power was introduced in the 1880s, and directories of the 1890s list the mill as working by wind and steam.
The mill was demolished in 1906.
Timeline
1832
Storm damages the mill
A severe storm in July 1832 tore off the cap and left the mill badly shattered.
1835
Mill advertised for auction
The mill was advertised as a five-floor brick tower windmill with patent sails, three pairs of French stones, two flour mills and a jumper.
1879
Poringland Mill estate offered for sale
The freehold estate was advertised with the working five-storey tower mill, residence, cottages, granaries, farm buildings, yard and pasture land.
1880–1889
Steam auxiliary power introduced
During the 1880s the mill began using steam as auxiliary power.
1906
Mill demolished
Poringland High Mill was demolished in 1906.
Sources and records
Norfolk Mills page: Poringland towermill
Norfolk Chronicle notices transcribed by Norfolk Mills
Norfolk News notices transcribed by Norfolk Mills
Ordnance Survey map references transcribed by Norfolk Mills
Norfolk Chronicle notices transcribed by Norfolk Mills
Norfolk News notices transcribed by Norfolk Mills
Ordnance Survey map references transcribed by Norfolk Mills