Swaffham Prior is unique in the UK – it has two windmills in close proximity both with their sails!
The mills worked together from 1896 until 1927, with Fosters Mill gristing animal feed and the Smock Tower mill (built around 1820) providing flour for human consumption. Then, on an horrendous autumn night, during an almighty storm, the Smock Tower Mill was struck by lightening and the sails and going gears badly damaged.
Sadly, the economic case for repairs was not great and the Foster Family who ran both mills decided to leave the mill to rest.
The Smock Tower mill was almost lost, but saved by the Bradley family who carried out repairs in the 1980s to secure the Smock Tower and rebuild the cap and sails.
Here is the view today from Smock Tower Mill looking towards Fosters Mill, home of the Prior’s Flour
Watch this space for exciting news about the future of the Smock Tower Mill!
