1758
Post mill first recorded
East Ruston post mill was first recorded in 1758.
Site overview
East Ruston post mill was first recorded in 1758 and later appeared on Faden's map of 1797. It was known as the High Mill and later the Old Mill, distinguishing it from the East Ruston tower mill, the New Mill, which stood on lower ground to the south west. The post mill had a roundhouse and was originally built with common sails, later converted to patent sails.
Its machinery powered two pairs of stones, a linseed crusher, and a stripping mill. The mill changed hands through the Turner, Rudd, Scarland, and Bristow associations and was later linked with wind, steam, and power milling entries. By 1979 the only remains were a single-storey roundhouse without a roof, and the same condition was recorded in 1990.
Map
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No site photograph is currently available. Images will be added as field visits are carried out.
History
East Ruston post mill was first recorded in 1758. It appeared on Faden's map of 1797 and was known first as the High Mill and later as the Old Mill. This name distinguished it from the East Ruston tower mill, known as the New Mill, which stood about 1,150 yards away on lower ground to the south west.
The post mill had a roundhouse and was built with common sails, later converted to patent sails. Its machinery powered two pairs of stones, a linseed crusher, and a stripping mill. In 1759 it was among three windmill properties associated with Ann Ramsdale of Ingworth.
In 1792 William Bilton insured a timber-built post flour mill at East Ruston, together with a brick and tiled tenement, furniture, stable, cowhouse, and pigsty. In 1810 the mill was advertised as a post windmill with brick roundhouse, one pair of French stones, one pair of peak stones, complete going gear, adjoining dwelling house, outbuildings, and land. Rudd Turner bought the mill in 1812, and John Rudd Turner was associated with it from 1831.
The mill continued through several nineteenth-century ownership and tenancy phases, including sale notices in 1841 and 1848. By the twentieth century the site was associated with farm and power-milling entries rather than wind-powered operation. In 1976 the roundhouse was reported still standing at Hill 60.
In 1979 the mill was derelict, with only a single-storey unroofed roundhouse remaining, and the same survival was recorded in 1990.
Timeline
1797
Mill shown on Faden's map
The post mill appeared on Faden's map of 1797.
1812
Rudd Turner bought the mill
Rudd Turner bought the East Ruston post mill.
1831
John Rudd Turner took over
The mill was taken over by John Rudd Turner, who also owned and worked the East Ruston tower mill.
1848
Mill advertised with machinery
The mill was advertised with patent spring sails, two pairs of stones, a linseed crusher, and a stripping mill.
1976
Roundhouse still standing
The post mill roundhouse was reported still standing at Hill 60.
1979
Unroofed roundhouse remained
The mill was derelict, with only a single-storey roundhouse without a roof remaining.
Sources and records
Norfolk Mills page: East Ruston post windmill
Norfolk Mills page: East Ruston tower windmill
WindmillWorld county list: Windmills of Norfolk
Norfolk Mills page: East Ruston tower windmill
WindmillWorld county list: Windmills of Norfolk