NHER 12644 (Building record) - Harpley Windmill

21 July 1977. Visit. Windmill.
Tall brick tower, mostly complete, now with iron ladder to top as if used as silo or suchlike.
E. Rose (NAU), 21 July 1977.

Marked on (S1). Then a post mill. Tower mill built 1838. Last used windpower 1929. The iron ladder is the remains of Home Guard activities after the top had been removed.
Information from H. Apling.
E. Rose (NAU), 4 February 1982.

1990. Excavation.
Excavation by the Norfolk Industrial Archaeology Society following collapse of the floor.
A mixture of brick and flint wall footings were recorded. Several of the brick features abut existing internal walls and are believed to be contemporary with the construction of the mill in the 19th century, possibly the remains of grain bins or similar internal features. However, a flint wall running from a brick pillar base across the centre of the mill is believed to continue for a distance beyond the mill towards the house and has been interpreted as the likely remains of an earlier structure.
Information from HER Notes.
H. Hamilton (HES), 5 January 2025.

13 July 1990. Visit.
See (S2) for photograph showing onion cap and attached granary of which the joist holes remain in the mill walls. Some machinery now in Great Bircham mill. Tower is built in English bond with extra storey added by Home Guard.
See unpublished building report (S3).
E. Rose (NAU), 13 July 1990.

December 1808, there was an advert in the Norfolk Chronicle for the sale of the original post mill on this site. The tower mill was built here in 1832 and ceased wind power in 1921 but carried on milling using an oil engine.
NIAS records (S4)
W. Arnold HES 11/01/11

December 2011. Planning Application.
Change of use for mill to domestic holiday let plus 2 new units adjoining mill. Removal of single storey stores and replacement with small area of single storey flat roof store.
See (S5) for further details.
Z. Dack (HES), 13 June 2012.

2011. Historic Building Recording.
A photographic survey of the mill and interior was carried out ahead of conversion work.
See report (S6) for further details.
A. Yardy (HES), 04 January 2013.