Horstead, The Mill 1902

Photo ref: 48148

More about this scene

This fine old building houses a large water-mill, which like most of Norfolk's water-mills has a hidden undershot wheel. This design is used because the Norfolk rivers are not powerful enough to work an overshot wheel. Traditional wherries were able to dock at the mill to collect its grain and flour. The villagers of Coltishall were favoured by Henry III: the local lords of the manor could not order the locals to do anything, or dispose of them, settle their quarrels or disputes or force them into villeinage. Once a year, under the direct authority of the King, his officers sorted out the villagers' problems.