History of the Yaxham Mill

The present Mill Tower was built in 1860 for the owner William Critoph. At a height of 48 feet with 6 stories and four double shuttered sails, the Mill Tower was a spectacular sight when tarred and freshly painted. Originally it is thought that there were 3 Mills on the present site. In 1810 a post Mill was built and out houses were also extended as the Mill grew with prosperity. In 1922 the Yaxham Mill stopped using wind power and converted to steam and later diesel. However due to flagging fortunes the mill machinery was removed in 1940 to be melted down and turned into munitions for the war effort.In its heyday the mill was providing flour to the adjacent bakery, which produced bread for sale at the shop on the same site. The site included workers' cottages, the bakery and the miller's house, now an award winning Indian restaurant.

Located near Dereham in Norfolk, is a historic site featuring a six-story brick tower windmill built in 1860 for William Critoph. The site has evolved from a prosperous industrial milling complex into a commercial and residential property, now serving as a Bed & Breakfast.

Industrial History and Operations

  • Early Mill Site: It is believed that three mills existed on the current site, with a post mill originally built in 1810.
  • Tower Mill Construction: The current tower mill, standing at 48 feet tall, was constructed in 1860. It originally featured four double-shuttered sails.
  • Industrial Peak: In its prime, the mill produced flour for an adjacent bakery on the same site.
  • Fuel Transition: The mill ceased using wind power in 1922, converting first to steam and later to diesel power.
  • War Effort: In 1940, due to flagging fortunes, the machinery was removed from the mill to be melted down for the war effort.

Ownership and Changes

  • William Critoph: The mill was built for William Critoph, who bought the property in 1857 and operated it for over 50 years.
  • Post-Milling Use: The tower was converted to private accommodation in the 1920s.
  • Damage: Around 1893, the top of the mill was blown off, with materials salvaged to repair another tower mill in Mill Street. The mill was dismantled around 1900.
  • Modern Era: The site was converted for commercial and residential use, with the former miller's house now functioning as an Indian restaurant.

 

Today, Yaxham Mill is a unique Bed & Breakfast offering six en-suite rooms. The original tower still stands and provides private owner accommodation across its six floors.

For a full history of the Yaxham Mill please visit: https://www.norfolkmills.co.uk/Windmills/yaxham-towermill.html