1830
Drainage mill built
Herringfleet Marsh Mill was probably built around this date by James Barnes of Reedham.
Site overview
Herringfleet Marsh Mill is a smock drainage mill on the Broads. It was probably built around 1830 by James Barnes of Reedham and was kept working by the Somerleyton Estate. Charlie Howlett operated the mill from 1923 until the scoop wheel was damaged in 1955.
The octagonal timber-framed tower is clad in tarred weatherboarding on a low brick base, with a boat-shaped cap, tail pole, common sails, and an external scoop wheel.
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
Herringfleet Marsh Mill is a full-sized smock drainage mill. It was probably built around 1830 by James Barnes of Reedham. The mill stood within the Somerleyton Estate and continued working for as long as economic operation remained possible.
Charlie Howlett operated the mill from 1923 until the scoop wheel was damaged in 1955. The octagonal timber-framed tower stands on a low brick base and is clad in tarred weatherboarding. The boat-shaped cap carries a braced tail pole, with a chain winch used to haul the cap into the wind.
The four common sails operated an external scoop wheel inside a tarred hoodway. The head wheel, wallower, and upright shaft are timber, while the pit gears are cast iron with wooden cogs in the pit wheel. At full operation the mill lifted water at an estimated rate of about 2,000 gallons, or 9,000 litres, each minute.
Timeline
1923
Charlie Howlett began operating mill
Charlie Howlett began operating the drainage mill.
1954
Mill listed
Herringfleet Marsh Mill was listed at Grade II*.
1955
Scoop wheel damaged
The scoop wheel was damaged, ending Charlie Howlett's operation of the mill.
Sources and records
Windmill World site entry
Mills Archive mill database entry
Historic England National Heritage List entry
Charity Commission register entry
Geograph photographic record
Mills Archive mill database entry
Historic England National Heritage List entry
Charity Commission register entry
Geograph photographic record