A map dated 1824 shows a mill on this site. This was probably a post mill. The present tower mill was built for John Parker. His initials and the date can be seen on a plaque on the tower just below the gallery. In 1854 the mill was taken over by John Gleaves. He built the steam mill and engine house with its tall chimney. This meant that the steam mill could continue to grind on days when there was not enough wind to turn the sails.

On the 4th April 1863, an advertisement appeared in the 'Norfolk Chronicle':
"To Millers. To be let for a term of years from Michaelmas 1863. An exellent Tower Windmill working three pair of stones with steam mill of twelve horse power. Within one mile of a Market Town and within 0.5 miles of a railway station in West Norfolk. The property is in a popular district and is in perfect condition and a lucrative trade has been carried on upon the premises for upwards of forty years".
Apply to Mr T.L. Reed, Solr, Downham Market.

We know that John Gleaves' son James took on the mill. An advertisement in the 'Lynn Advertiser' on the 30th August 1873 offered the mill for sale or to be let:
"To Millers. To be let or sold. With possession at Michaelmas next. A brick Tower Windmill driving six pairs of stone with a steam mill attached, with large granaries, exellent dwelling house, gardens, stables and convenient premises. Together with a paddock and millers cottage, as now in the occupation of Mr John Gleaves. A lucrative business has been carried on upon the premises for upwards of fifty years.
Apply to T.L Reed, Solr. Downham Market.

James Gleaves remained in possession of the mill until 1896. The mill was bought by Mr Thomas Edward Harris and he worked it until he died in January 1925. His son Thomas Edwin took over. In 1908 the windmill was damaged by gales and was out of action for a while. In 1927 new sails were fitted. By this time the steam engine had been replaced by an oil engine. Thomas Harris continued to use both wind and oil power until 1941 when one of the sails was struck by lightning.

Mr Harris continued to maintain the mill tower. When he died in 1969 Mrs Edith Harris, his sister, gave the mill to Norfolk County Council. Between 1968 and 1992 several major repairs were completed. All the outbuildings were restored and the mill opened to the public in April 2000.

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