In 2006 the Broads Authority was given funding by the Heritage Lottery Fund to train five bursary students to become millwrights. The aim was to save traditional skills from dying out as well as helping people into important trades in the heritage industry.
Wind power has played an important role in shaping the Broads for centuries with historic windmills and drainage pumps still common features of the landscape. These days wind turbines are becoming part of the skyline in parts of the Broads as we continue to make use of this energy source.
Some windmills were used for grinding corn, but most are wind-powered drainage mills needed to pump water off the marshes into the rivers and dykes. During the 1800s the Broads had around 240 drainage mills. More than 70 remain, and although many are now derelict many others have been restored.
Horsey Mill is a four storey drainage mill restored by the Norfolk Windmills Trust in 1961. It needed more renovations after its fantail was destroyed by the gales of 1987. It is now owned by the National Trust.
The 19th century High Mill at Berney Arms (TG465050) on the River Yare is maintained by English Heritage and at more than 70ft (22m) can be seen for miles. It is not accessible by public road but can be reached from the 24 hour moorings, by train or by walking along the Weavers' Way from Halvergate village.
At How Hill you can see three very different styles of drainage mill - Clayrack (TG369193), Turf Fen (TG369188) and Boardman’s (TG369192). They are maintained by Norfolk Windmills Trust. Clayrack is a hollow post mill and Boardman's is a skeleton windpump.
Steam and then diesel power took over from wind, and today the pumps used to drain the marshes are powered by electricity. However wind power is still harnessed in the Broads today in the form of wind farms.
At Blood Hill (TG477190) between West Somerton and Winterton a farm of 10 turbines was built in 1992. It was one of the first sites in the UK. Each turbine is 30m high with blades measuring 13m. Together the 10 turbines produce enough electricity to power 1400 homes.
In 2006 the Broads Authority was given funding by the Heritage Lottery Fund to train five bursary students to become millwrights. The aim was to save traditional skills from dying out as well as helping people into important trades in the heritage industry.
Berney Arms Windmill: A most splendid example and the highest remaining Norfolk marshmill in working order with 7 floors.
http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/berney-arms-windmill/
01493 857900
customers@english-heritage.org.uk
The only mill on the Norfolk Broads to have its sails turning on a regular basis.
http://www.hardley-windmill.org.uk
01508 521107
An octagonal smock drainage mill clad in tarred weatherboards with a boat-shaped cap and 4 common sails spread with cloth when the mill works.
01473 264755
This windmill is 4 storeys high and the gallery affords splendid views across the marshes.
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-horseywindpump
01493 393904
horseywindpump@nationaltrust.org.uk
The tiny, timber boarded trestle St Olaves drainage mill near Great Yarmouth with a scoopwheel is visible from road and river and can be approached by footpath from the bridge.
http://www.norfolkwindmills.co.uk/details.htm
01603 222705
Stracey Arms Drainage Mill near Great Yarmouth is a drainage mill with access by 2 ladders to the cap showing the brakewheel and gears. Within the mill is an exhibition of the history of drainage mills and a souvenir shop & tea room nearby.
http://www.norfolkwindmills.co.uk/details.htm
01362 869394
Thurnedyke Mill near Great Yarmouth was once used for drainage is now owned by the Norfolk Windmills Trust.
http://www.norfolkwindmills.co.uk/details.htm
01603 222705
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