Thurne Dyke Drainage Mill

Thurne Mill was built in 1820 by the millwrights England & Co of Ludham, Norfolk.

Originally when the mill was built it would have had common canvas sails and a scoopwheel but in 1885 the mill was raised (hained) to accommodate the new turbine pump and the patent sails. These allowed the Marshmen a little more free time.

Bob Morse had a fascination with windmills since he was a young boy. In 1949 a boyhood dream became a reality when he purchased the then derelict Thurne Mill. In 18 months, with the help of Albert England, a direct descendant of England’s the tower was restored. The mill was then leased to the Norfolk Windmill Trust. Sadly Bob Morse passed away in January 2007. The current owner of Thurne Mill is Debra Nicholson.

In 2018, after a period of having a pinkish glow due to a fungus attacking the original paint, volunteers help us take on The Great Thurne Mill Repaint!

Thurne Mill often attracts media attention for its iconic impact on the Broads landscape and it’s historical importance.

You may have spotted it on Escape to the Country, BBC Look East, Radio Norfolk Treasure Quest and most recently BBC’s Countryfile in 2019.