The Wind Mill
Built in 1789, the 9 floors, plus the cap makes this the tallest wind mill in the country. It is listed as being of special architectural and historic interest. Corn milling machinery, which dates from 1860, is still in situ, and is considered to be one of the finest examples of 18th century craftsmanship. A climb to the top is rewarded by vistas sweeping over the Norfolk countryside.
The last time the mill worked was in 1940 when it was producing animal feed,
having ceased flour production sometime earlier. In 1940 the sails were struck by lightning,
causing a fire, which put the mill out of action. This was not the first time,
for it had previously been struck in 1875.
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"SUTTON - THUNDERSTORM - Mr J Wort's wind mill was struck by lightning, considerably damaging one sail. The electric fluid appears to have struck the sail, then entered the mill on the sack tackling chain to the first floor... shattering a large beam and joint then made its escape by the door to the ground floor. Mr Wort's son and six men had a miraculous escape. They were standing together within two or three feet of the hole that was shattered and none received any injury. They were all very much frightened and some appeared quite stunned, but soon recovered." Newspaper cutting dated 19th July 1875. |
On the sixth floor, there are four sets of French stones, which cannot be found anywhere else in the United Kingdom. This enabled the mill to produce forty tons of flour each working day.
The sails were 73 feet (22 metres) from tip to tip and the 10 bladed fan tail was 12 feet (3.5 metres) in diameter, with a traditional Norfolk boat shaped cap.
Separate Mill guide book available.