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Drainage mill with feed-grinding stones
The mill worked as a drainage mill and also contained a small pair of stones for grinding animal feed.
Site overview
Catfield Swim Coots was built as a drainage mill on the shore of Hickling Broad, beside a dyke reached by a long track through marsh and reed beds. Although primarily a drainage mill, it also contained a small pair of stones for grinding animal feed. The mill had a Norfolk boat-shaped cap, patent sails, and a rare seven-bladed fantail.
By 1987 only the ground floor of the tower remained, in poor condition, with a single door and a flat roof. Later observations recorded the remains still in situ, with the doorway missing and the structure overgrown with ivy by 2023. The surviving remains therefore represent a reduced drainage-mill tower rather than a complete working windpump.
Map
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No site photograph is currently available. Images will be added as field visits are carried out.
History
Catfield Swim Coots drainage mill stood on the shore of Hickling Broad beside a dyke, reached through marshy reed beds. It was built as a drainage mill, but it also had a small pair of stones incorporated within the structure for grinding animal feed. The mill was fitted with a Norfolk boat-shaped cap, patent sails, and a rare seven-bladed fantail.
The Gibbs family is recorded in connection with the mill and also with mills at Hickling Eastfield and Hickling Stubb. By 1987 the working superstructure had gone and only the ground floor of the tower remained. At that date the remnant was described as being in poor condition, with a single door and a flat roof.
By 2023 the remains were still in situ, but the door was missing and the tower stump was overgrown with ivy. The identified evidence establishes survival of the base but does not give a construction year, closure date, or full sequence for removal of cap, sails, and drainage machinery.
Timeline
1987
Ground floor remained
Only the ground floor of the tower remained, in poor condition, with a single door and a flat roof.
2023
Tower remains still in situ
The remains of the tower were still in situ, with the door missing and the structure overgrown with ivy.
Sources and records
Norfolk Mills page: Catfield Swim Coots drainage mill
Norfolk Mills page: Catfield Barton Broad drainage mill
WindmillWorld entry: Catfield Swim Coots Mill
Norfolk Mills page: Catfield Barton Broad drainage mill
WindmillWorld entry: Catfield Swim Coots Mill