History

Wicklewood Windmill is a striking five-storey tower mill located on the High Street in Wicklewood, Norfolk. Built in 1845-46 by local builder Richard Mann, the mill was constructed to grind grain for the surrounding agricultural community. Standing approximately 43 feet (13 metres) high, the tarred brick tower originally operated using wind power, with large sails driving millstones used to produce flour and animal feed.

Throughout the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the mill was operated by a succession of millers before being purchased by William Wade in 1906. William and later his son, Denis Wade, continued milling grain for local farmers until 1942, when commercial operations ceased. During this period the mill was modernised with auxiliary power sources, including a steam engine and later a paraffin engine, allowing work to continue when there was insufficient wind.

After decades of decline, Wicklewood Windmill was gifted to the Norfolk Windmills Trust in 1977 by Margaret Edwards, William Wade's granddaughter. Extensive restoration work followed, preserving much of the original machinery while repairing the tower, cap, sails, floors, and engine house. Today the mill is a Grade II listed building and one of Norfolk's best-preserved tower mills. Open to visitors on selected days, it offers a fascinating insight into Norfolk's agricultural and industrial heritage and the important role windmills once played in rural life.

Our investigation