1883
Boardman's windpump built
The open-trestle drainage pump was built around 1883 by Dan England of Ludham.
Site overview
Boardman's Drainage Mill stands beside the River Ant at How Hill. It was built around 1883 by Dan England of Ludham and named after Edward Boardman of the How Hill Estate. The structure is an open framed trestle drainage pump about 30 feet high, with a small cap, patent sails, fantail and timber frame standing on brick piers.
It was originally built with a scoop wheel, but in 1926 this was replaced by a more efficient Appold turbine. The pump ceased working in 1938 after considerable gale damage. Renovation began in 1981 with funding from the Norfolk Windmills Trust, and the windpump was Grade II listed on 12 May 1987.
By 2018 it was complete with cap and non-working 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
Boardman's Drainage Mill, also known as Boardman's windpump, stands at How Hill near Ludham on the River Ant. It was built around 1883 by Dan England of Ludham and was named after Edward Boardman of the How Hill Estate. The windpump is an open framed trestle structure rather than a tower or hollow-post mill.
Four timber cants stand on brick piers and are cross-braced, with a weatherboarded cap, stocks, four sails, fantail cage and blades. The machinery includes curb track, worm gear and drive, brake wheel and wallower, with an iron upright drive shaft leading down through a universal joint to gearing for the turbine pump. The pump is set in a brick well, and the sluices and culvert survive.
The structure is about 30 feet high overall. It was originally built with a scoop wheel, but in 1926 the scoop wheel was exchanged for an Appold turbine. The pump ceased working in 1938 after considerable gale damage.
Renovation began in 1981 with funding from the Norfolk Windmills Trust. On 12 May 1987 the structure was designated Grade II. By 2018 the pump was complete with cap and non-working sails, and later photographs continued to show the preserved structure in place.
Timeline
1926
Turbine replaced scoop wheel
The original scoop wheel was exchanged for an Appold turbine.
1938
Pump ceased working
The pump ceased working after considerable gale damage.
1981
Renovation began
Renovation began with funding from the Norfolk Windmills Trust.
1987
Grade II listing designated
The drainage pump was designated as a Grade II listed structure.
2018
Complete preserved pump recorded
The pump was recorded as complete with cap and non-working sails.
Sources and records
Norfolk Mills: Ludham Boardman's drainage windmill
British Listed Buildings entry for Boardman's drainage pump
Ordnance Survey map evidence reproduced by Norfolk Mills
Norfolk Windmills Trust preservation reference
British Listed Buildings entry for Boardman's drainage pump
Ordnance Survey map evidence reproduced by Norfolk Mills
Norfolk Windmills Trust preservation reference