1900
Palmer's windpump erected
The hollow-post windpump was erected on Acle Marshes around 1900.
Site overview
Palmer's Drainage Windmill is a hollow-post drainage windpump now standing beside Upton Dyke near Upton. The structure originally stood on Acle Marshes, where it was erected around 1900 and ceased working around 1925. It later became derelict and was considered in danger of being lost.
In 1976 it was moved from Acle to Upton, where it was restored in 1978–79 by the millwright Richard Seago. The black-tarred timber structure has a main post set about 12 feet high, quarter bars on sunken piers and sails measuring 21 feet 9 inches. Unlike Clayrack, it drove an iron plunger pump rather than a scoop wheel.
By 2018 the stocks were in place but the sails were missing and under restoration; by 2024 the restored pump was recorded in situ.
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
Palmer's Drainage Windmill is a small hollow-post windpump preserved beside Upton Dyke. It is one of the remaining Norfolk hollow-post windpumps and has a miniature cap and sails based on the larger drainage windmills of the Broads. The structure originally stood on Acle Marshes, where it was erected around 1900.
It ceased working around 1925 and was later recorded as a derelict structure in danger of being lost. A Karl Wood painting of 1950 recorded the hollow windpump on Acle Marshes before relocation. In 1976 the pump was moved from its original Acle Marshes position to Upton.
Restoration was carried out in 1978–79 by the local millwright Richard Seago. At restoration the main post was set 12 feet high and measured 11 inches by 10 inches, with four quarter bars on sunken piers and black-tarred timbers. The sails measured 21 feet 9 inches and drove an iron plunger pump of 10-inch diameter rather than a scoop wheel.
The windpump was recorded in 2018 with stocks in situ but sails missing and under restoration. By 2024 the restored pump was recorded in situ beside Upton Dyke.
Timeline
1925
Windpump ceased working
The pump ceased working around 1925.
1950
Acle Marshes pump painted
A Karl Wood painting recorded the hollow windpump on Acle Marshes.
1976
Moved to Upton
The derelict windpump was moved from Acle Marshes to Upton.
1978–1979
Windpump restored
Richard Seago restored the relocated hollow-post windpump.
2018
Sails under restoration
The stocks were in place, but the sails were missing and under restoration.
2024
Restored pump recorded
The restored pump was recorded in situ beside Upton Dyke.
Sources and records
Norfolk Mills: Upton Palmer's drainage windmill
Wikipedia article: Palmer's Drainage Windmill
Broads Authority landscape character assessment reference
Mills Archive drainage windmill remains report
Wikipedia article: Palmer's Drainage Windmill
Broads Authority landscape character assessment reference
Mills Archive drainage windmill remains report