1835
Denver Windmill built
The six-storey tower mill was built for John Porter, replacing an earlier post mill.
Site overview
Denver Windmill was built in 1835 for John Porter, replacing an earlier post mill shown on the 1824 Ordnance Survey map. The six-storey tower stands 59 feet to the curb and carries an ogee cap with gallery and six-bladed fantail. Four double patent sails drove three pairs of overdriven stones, with auxiliary steam power later replaced by diesel.
The mill continued in commercial use until 1969, after wind power had given way to diesel in 1941. Restoration followed in stages: the fantail was restored in 1982, further restoration continued from 1984 to 1998, and the restored mill opened to the public in March 2000. Denver Windmill is Grade II* listed and has again milled wheat using wind power.
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
Denver Windmill stands at Sluice Road, Denver, near Downham Market. It was built in 1835 for John Porter, replacing an earlier post mill that was marked on the 1824 Ordnance Survey map. The tower carries a datestone marked JMP 1835.
The large six-storey mill is 59 feet high to the curb. It worked with four double-shuttered patent sails and three pairs of overdriven stones, with the stones on the third floor and a stage giving access to the striking and brake chains. The horizontally boarded ogee cap had a gallery, ball finial and six-bladed fantail.
Steam power was later added and eventually replaced by diesel. John Porter was followed by the Gleaves family and then by Thomas Edward Harris and Thomas Edwin Harris. Wind power ended in 1941, and the mill continued under diesel power until closure in 1969.
The building was later restored. The fantail was restored in 1982, and further restoration took place between 1984 and 1998. The restored mill opened to the public in March 2000.
Later operation returned the mill to traditional flour production, with Denver Windmill recognised as a Grade II* listed working tower mill with associated ancillary buildings.
Timeline
1941
Diesel power replaced wind
The mill was converted to diesel power after wind-powered milling ended.
1969
Commercial milling ceased
The mill closed after continuing under diesel power.
1982
Fantail restored
The fantail was restored during the post-working restoration programme.
1984–1998
Further restoration undertaken
Further restoration work was carried out over an extended programme.
2000
Restored mill opened
The restored Denver Windmill opened to the public in March 2000.
Sources and records
Norfolk Mills: Denver tower windmill
Norfolk Heritage Explorer: Denver Mill
Wikipedia article: Denver Windmill
ERIH entry: Denver Windmill
Windmill World entry: Denver windmill
Norfolk Heritage Explorer: Denver Mill
Wikipedia article: Denver Windmill
ERIH entry: Denver Windmill
Windmill World entry: Denver windmill