1912
Present windpump built
The present Horsey Windpump was built on the foundations of the earlier Horsey Black Mill.
Site overview
Horsey Windpump stands at Horsey Mere on the site of earlier drainage mills, including the eighteenth-century Horsey Black Mill. The present tower windpump was built in 1912 and became one of the youngest and largest windpumps on the Norfolk Broads. It worked until 1943, when it was struck by lightning.
The mill was acquired by the National Trust in 1948 and later restored, with replacement sails and fantail fitted in the 1960s. Further storm damage and deterioration required later repair campaigns, including works after the Great Storm of 1987 and removal of sails in 2014. The building is Grade II* listed and survives as a prominent visitor landmark in National Trust care.
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
Horsey Windpump stands beside Horsey Mere in the Norfolk Broads. The present tower was built in 1912 on the foundations of the earlier Horsey Black Mill, itself part of a longer sequence of drainage mills at Horsey. The structure was one of the youngest and largest windpumps on the Broads.
Its purpose was marsh drainage rather than milling grain. It worked until 1943, when lightning struck the windpump and ended regular working use. In 1948 the National Trust acquired the structure from the Buxton family.
The damaged sails were removed in 1956, and replacement sails and a fantail were fitted in 1962. The Great Storm of 1987 caused further damage, and repairs were needed before the building could reopen to visitors in 1990. Later deterioration led to the removal of the sails again in 2014.
Subsequent conservation and restoration work returned the windpump to its role as a major Broads landmark. The structure is Grade II* listed and remains in National Trust care.
Timeline
1943
Windpump struck by lightning
The windpump ceased regular work after being struck by lightning.
1948
National Trust acquired windpump
The National Trust acquired Horsey Windpump from the Buxton family.
1956
Damaged sails removed
The damaged sails were removed from the windpump.
1962
Replacement sails and fantail fitted
Replacement sails and a fantail were installed.
1987
Storm damage repaired
The Great Storm caused further damage, requiring repair before the building reopened.
2014
Sails removed again
The sails were removed again after deterioration caused by age and weather.
Sources and records
National Trust page: History of Horsey Windpump
Norfolk Mills page: Horsey drainage windmill
Wikipedia article: Horsey Windpump
Norfolk Mills page: Horsey drainage windmill
Wikipedia article: Horsey Windpump