Thousands of pounds set aside to save iconic Norfolk mill
The mill fell out of use in the 1920s and it's currently in poor condition
Historic England has awarded a grant of £242,870 to fund repairs to save the Grade II listed Turf Fen Mill in Irstead, North Norfolk.
Turf Fen Mill, which is now owned by Norfolk County Council, was built around 1880, by millwright William Rust.
It was used to drain the surrounding marshland into the River Ant and make the fields on the west bank suitable for grazing livestock.
Standing at 31 feet high, with a brick tower and a wooden main shaft, it is topped by a boat-shaped weatherboarded cap.
The mill was constructed with four double-shuttered sails and with a choice of high or low gears.
The mill fell out of use in the 1920s. Today, Historic England says it's in poor condition and at risk from further deterioration.
The ground floor regularly floods, the cap and stocks need attention, there are currently no sails, and it can only be accessed by the river.
It was added to Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register in 2023.
Planned repairs
It is planned that repairs to the mill will be completed by 2026.
The repair project will be used to further develop the skills of young millwrights who have been trained as part of the Broads Authority’s recent mills training programme, which was part-funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
"An important part of the local landscape"
Sarah Morrison, Historic England Architect, said: “The Turf Fen mill is a familiar landmark on the Norfolk Broads and an important part of the local landscape story.
"This exciting partnership project with Norfolk County Council, Norfolk Windmills Trust and the Broads Authority will repair and protect the building for years to come, enable better access to the site and tell the story of how such mills shaped the local landscape.”
"Thrilled"
Cllr Phillip Duigan, Chair of Norfolk Windmills Trust, which maintains the building, said: “I’m thrilled that Norfolk County Council has secured this grant from Historic England to carry out the restoration works.
"Norfolk is famous for its attractive and diverse landscape. Working together with partners to secure funding like this means we can protect important landmarks like Turf Fen Mill and safeguard them for Norfolk and its future generations.”
Andrew Farrell, Broads Authority Partnership and External Funding Manager, said: "Turf Fen is one of our most iconic mills and an important part of the Broads National Park's built heritage.
"This investment from Historic England will help to ensure that the skills to repair and restore these mills remain in our area and ensure that this beautiful and rare example of the engineering that shaped our landscape remains for many more decades to come."