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Twin scoop wheels worked
The mill was built with two independently working scoop wheels and high or low gearing.
Site overview
Turf Fen Drainage Mill stands beside the River Ant opposite How Hill. It was built around 1880 by the millwright William Rust to drain the west-bank marshes into the river and make the land suitable for grazing. The 31-foot brick tower has a wooden main shaft, boat-shaped weatherboarded cap and four double-shuttered sails.
Its unusual machinery had two scoop wheels that could work independently, with high and low gear choices. The mill ceased working by the 1920s or mid twentieth century, was taken on by the Norfolk Windmills Trust in 1976 and restored in 1984–87. It was designated Grade II in 1987.
The structure later deteriorated, lost its sails, was added to the Heritage at Risk Register, and received restoration funding with works intended for completion in 2026.
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
Turf Fen Drainage Mill stands on the River Ant in Irstead, opposite How Hill on the Ludham side of the river. It was built around 1880 by the millwright William Rust to drain the marshland on the west bank into the River Ant and make the fields usable for grazing livestock. The tower is about 31 feet high and has a brick body, wooden main shaft and boat-shaped weatherboarded cap.
It was built with four double-shuttered sails and a choice of high or low gears. Its most unusual feature is the pair of scoop wheels, which could work independently. The mill fell out of working use by the twentieth century.
In 1976 the Norfolk Windmills Trust took responsibility for it and began a major restoration programme. Between 1984 and 1987 millwright John Lawn restored the mill, steel stocks were added and the mill was returned to turning condition. It was designated Grade II on 12 May 1987.
Later deterioration affected the cap, stocks, sails and flooded ground floor, and the mill was placed on the Heritage at Risk Register. A major grant-supported repair project was announced for the 2020s, with work planned to return the mill to a sound structural condition and to reinstate sails.
Timeline
1880
Turf Fen mill built
William Rust built the drainage mill beside the River Ant to drain west-bank marshland.
1976
Norfolk Windmills Trust took responsibility
The Norfolk Windmills Trust took over responsibility for the mill and began a major restoration project.
1984–1987
Mill restored to turning condition
Restoration by John Lawn returned the mill to turning condition with steel stocks.
1987
Grade II listing designated
The drainage mill was designated as a Grade II listed structure.
2023
Heritage at Risk status recorded
The deteriorating mill was added to the Heritage at Risk Register.
2024–2026
Repair project funded
A grant-supported restoration project was announced, with repairs planned to protect the mill and reinstate sails.
Sources and records
Norfolk Mills: Irstead Turf Fen drainage windmill
Broads Authority: Turf Fen Mill restoration grant
Norfolk County Council restoration announcement
Norfolk drainage windmill listing references
Broads Authority: Turf Fen Mill restoration grant
Norfolk County Council restoration announcement
Norfolk drainage windmill listing references