1864
Caston tower mill built
The six-storey tower mill was built for Edward Wyer, replacing an earlier post mill.
Site overview
Caston Tower Windmill was built in 1864 for Edward Wyer, replacing an earlier post mill recorded in 1834. The tower was built by William Wright and fitted out by Robert Hambling of East Dereham. The six-storey tarred brick tower stands 55 feet to the curb, with a two-storey granary attached, a second-floor stage, a Norfolk boat-shaped cap and a six-bladed fantail.
Four double patent sails drove three pairs of underdriven stones, with auxiliary oil-engine power also used. The mill bears a datestone marked EW 1864. It passed through the Wyer, Knott and Bilham families and was sold after James Bilham's death in 1967.
The cap and sails were removed in 1983, and the cap was refitted in 2000. The mill is Grade II* listed, a scheduled monument and under restoration.
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
Caston Tower Windmill was built in 1864 for Edward Wyer, who had owned the earlier post mill at Caston. The new tower replaced the older post mill, which had been standing in 1834. The tower was built by the local builder William Wright and fitted out by the East Dereham millwright Robert Hambling.
A datestone inscribed EW 1864 records Edward Wyer's association with the building. The mill is a six-storey tarred brick tower with a two-storey granary attached. It is 55 feet high to the curb, 26 feet in outside diameter at the base and 17 feet at the curb, with thick brick walls and a stage around the second floor.
The Norfolk boat-shaped cap carried a six-bladed left-handed fan. Four double patent sails drove three pairs of underdriven stones, and a fourth pair was later driven by a Hornsby oil engine. Edward Wyer worked the mill until 1897, followed by James Wyer, Benjamin Knott and James Bilham.
After Bilham died in 1967 the mill was sold by his widow in 1969. It was bought by the millwright John Lawn, who intended to restore it to working order. The granary was converted to residential use.
The cap and sails were removed on 23 November 1983, and the cap was refitted in 2000. The mill is Grade II* listed, a scheduled monument and remains under restoration.
Timeline
1864
Tower fitted out
William Wright built the tower and Robert Hambling of East Dereham fitted out the mill machinery.
1967
James Bilham died
James Bilham, the last recorded working miller in the Bilham sequence, died in 1967.
1969
Mill sold after working life
The mill was sold by James Bilham's widow and bought by millwright John Lawn.
1983
Cap and sails removed
The cap and sails were removed during restoration work.
2000
Cap refitted
The cap was refitted to the tower.
Sources and records
Norfolk Mills: Caston tower windmill
Caston village windmill history
Wikipedia article: Caston Windmill
Windmill World entry: Caston Windmill
Caston village windmill history
Wikipedia article: Caston Windmill
Windmill World entry: Caston Windmill