1910
Open-trestle drainage pump built
Dan England of Ludham built the drainage pump as an open-trestle structure with a scoop wheel.
Site overview
Fritton St Olaves drainage pump stands on the east bank of the River Waveney just north of St Olaves Priory. It was built in 1910 by Dan England of Ludham as an open-trestle drainage pump with a scoop wheel. In 1928 weatherboarding was added, giving the structure the appearance of a slender square smock tower over a concrete base.
It was working in 1930, but wind-powered pumping ended in 1957 when electricity replaced the pump. The mill was later renovated and preserved. In 1975 the wooden tower had a flat-sided boat-shaped cap holding an iron windshaft and fan cradle.
It was damaged by a gale in January 2007 when the cap was blown off, but later repaired. By 2023 it was recorded in good preserved condition with shutterless sails.
Map
Map markers and directions links are provided for location reference only and do not indicate public access or permission to enter a site.
No site photograph is currently available. Images will be added as field visits are carried out.
History
Fritton St Olaves drainage pump was built on the east bank of the River Waveney, immediately north of St Olaves Priory. It began as a small open-trestle drainage pump with a scoop wheel and was built in 1910 by Dan England of Ludham. In 1928 the open trestle was enclosed with weatherboarding, giving the pump the appearance of a slender square smock tower set over a concrete base.
The mill was working in 1930. Wind-powered pumping ended in 1957 when electric power replaced the drainage function. By 1974 the mill was missing its sails and needed renovation, and in 1975 the wooden tower was under repair.
At that date it had a flat-sided boat-shaped cap holding an iron windshaft and fan cradle. The site later came under Norfolk Windmills Trust care and was visible from the road and river, approached by a footpath from the bridge. On 18 January 2007 the mill was tailwinded in a gale and the cap was blown off, later to be repaired.
By 2023 the structure was in good preserved condition with shutterless sails.
Timeline
1928
Pump weatherboarded as smock form
Weatherboarding was added to give the open-trestle pump the appearance of a smock tower.
1957
Wind pumping ceased
The pump ceased working by wind power when electricity replaced it.
1975
Mill under renovation
The wooden tower was under renovation and retained a flat-sided boat-shaped cap with an iron windshaft and fan cradle.
2007
Cap blown off in gale
The mill was tailwinded in a gale and its cap was blown off before later repair.
2023
Preserved condition recorded
The mill was recorded in good preserved condition with shutterless sails.
Sources and records
Norfolk Mills page: Fritton St Olaves drainage windmill
Norfolk Windmills Trust material
WindmillWorld county list: Drainage windmills of Norfolk
Norfolk Windmills Trust material
WindmillWorld county list: Drainage windmills of Norfolk