A history of Eades Mill

Records show that the spot where Eades Mill now stands has held a water mill since 1666. The original mill was likely made from timber, and in 1800 the current building was constructed from brick.

 

Eades Mill is unusual in that it was constructed over the river, with the waterwheel within the building rather than attached to the exterior. Today, a glass window shows one of the two water races that pass underneath what is now the living room floor.

 

The mill went on grinding corn until the 1950s – but with the volume of water coming down the stream was decreasing during the 20th century, the mill stones were powered by a combustion engine between 1930 and 1950. Whilst the waterwheel has been removed, much of the original structure remains. The anchor point in the ceiling that supported the main drive shaft is still clear to see.

 

In 1944 a German V2 rocket landed near the mill and exploded – the crater has since been converted into a pond.

 

By the 1990s, Eades Mill was in a derelict state, with no functioning windows or doors, gaping holes in the roof, and water running down the inside of the walls. In 1992, the present owner spotted the mill whilst staying in Reepham. The building had been effectively abandoned.

 

Despite the foreboding of all his friends and family, the owner was determined to rescue it before it fell down. Between 1992 and 2002, the Mill was lovingly restored to become a family home, now available part of the year for guests to rent.

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