1832–1833
Earlier post mill mapped
A post mill was marked on the smock mill site on Greenwood's map of 1832–1833.
Site overview
The former smock windmill at Swaffham Prior stands on Mill Hill, close to Foster's tower mill. A post mill occupied the site in the early nineteenth century, and the later smock mill was built in the later nineteenth century as a wind-powered corn mill. By the mid twentieth century it had declined from working use, losing sails and later its cap, fantail, and machinery.
The mill was converted to residential use in the late twentieth century and more recently restored with a working cap, sails, and fantail intended for electricity generation. Its survival preserves the rare paired windmill setting on Mill Hill at Swaffham Prior.
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
The former smock windmill at Swaffham Prior stands on Mill Hill, where it forms one of the distinctive paired windmills of the village. The site had windmill use before the present smock mill: a post mill was marked there on Greenwood's map of 1832–1833. The later smock mill was built in the nineteenth century, with sources giving dates around 1860 or between 1875 and 1880.
The mill worked as a wind-powered corn mill. Early millers associated with the site included Benjamin Stanton, William Parmenter, John Danby, Robert Jennings, Thomas Foster, and Fitz T. Foster. By the turn of the twentieth century both Swaffham Prior windmills were in the possession of the Foster family. Historic photographs from the 1920s show the smock mill beside the tower mill, with the smock already losing part of its working sail arrangement.
The mill was sold in 1927 and then passed into dereliction. Photographic records show it in stages of decline, with stocks and two sails, later with the cap removed, and eventually without its working machinery. In the 1990s it was restored cosmetically as part of conversion to domestic use. Later proposals reinstated a working cap, sails, and fantail, allowing the former smock mill to regain its windmill profile while serving a new domestic and energy-generating role.
Timeline
1860–1880
Smock mill built
The later smock mill was built on Mill Hill in the nineteenth century.
1900
Foster family ownership
By the turn of the twentieth century the smock mill and the neighbouring tower mill were associated with the Foster family.
1927
Mill sold after working life
The smock mill was sold in 1927 and later declined into dereliction.
1959
Listed building designation
The former smock windmill was listed as a Grade II building.
1990–1999
Converted to domestic use
The former smock mill was cosmetically restored as part of its conversion to residential use.
2020
Working cap and sails proposed
Planning permission supported work to restore the cap, sails, and fantail for electricity generation.
Sources and records
Historic England listed building entry
Mills Archive site record
Windmill World site entry
Planning heritage statement for The Smock Windmill, Swaffham Prior
Guy Blythman Windmill Photographic Register
Mills Archive site record
Windmill World site entry
Planning heritage statement for The Smock Windmill, Swaffham Prior
Guy Blythman Windmill Photographic Register