The mill was probably built in 1820. It first appeared in the Land Tax records in that year, owned by Thomas Burlingham. The mill was offered for sale by auction on 8 August 1943 at the Swan Inn, East Harling. Thomas Jary was the tenant miller at the time. The mill had been taken by James Lawrence by 1850. The mill was again offered for sale by auction on 11 February 1854 at the Swan Inn. James Lawrence retired in 1875 and the mill was taken by his son Thomas.[2] He employed two brothers by the name of Pattinson, who were at the mill by 1902.[3] In 1912, Thomas Lawrence committed suicide in the mill, hanging himself. In 1913, the mill was bought by Christopher Pattinson, who was also running the post mill at Garboldisham. The mill was last worked in 1919 but milling continued for a further three years by oil engine. This was located in a shed some way from the mill and powered a single pair of millstones.[2]
Over the years, the mill was stripped of its sails and machinery. In 1974, the mill tower was refurbished, a new cap made and fitted with the windshaft from Topcroft Mill.[2] In 1984, Breckland District Council granted planning permission for the mill to be converted for residential use.[4]
Description
For an explanation of the various pieces of machinery, see Mill machinery.
Kenninghall Road Mill is a four storey tower mill with a domed cap which was winded by a six bladed fantail. The mill had four double Patent sails. The tower is 35 feet (10.67 m) to the curb. The mill had two pairs of French Burr millstones.[2]
