Meeting Report, 15 March 2025

The Reconstruction of Elmer Mill, Ockley as a Residence

Eleanor Yates, with additional notes from Peter James
Photos by Peter James

Some 15 members of HMG came to the Spring meeting at Warnford Village Hall, where they were able to hear a talk about Peter James’s rebuilding of Elmer Mill.

Peter said that he had always been interested in mills especially during holidays in the Norfolk Broads, and later became involved in the moving and restoration of Lowfield Windmill in Sussex.

He was shown Elmer Mill, which had been an 8-sided smock mill originally built in 1803.  Photographs from 1933 show decay in the structure of the mill and although it was still standing in 1942, in 1944 it collapsed:  either during a windy day or on a calm day – memories vary.  By 1973 it was an empty shell with only the brick and stone base surviving.  In 2003 it was visited by Peter, who encouraged by his then girlfriend Bridget (now his wife), bought the ruin which is in the middle of a field.

1945:  The mill collapsed in 1944

1942:  The timber wall plates had rotted on one side by this time, making the tower a bit precarious

The project was to rebuild it as nearly as possible to the original, to reinstate the village landmark, to create a home, and to use local materials and re-use materials where possible – and to do as much of the work himself as possible.

Initial reaction to his proposal from the Planning Department was a ‘No’, as the land was designated as of ‘Special Landscape Interest’, which would preclude any house building.  However, they obviously liked the idea, as they said there might be a way – if he could get good village support.  He therefore prepared a project proposal booklet, which he took around to 156 houses to lobby their support;  when it came to the application this produced 100 support letters and no objections.  The plans also included the demolition of the nearby chicken shed, thereby removing the threat of someone putting in an application to demolish and rebuild it.

He employed a planning agent to advise on the requirements for a planning application.  The 16 sheets of A2 drawings, to be checked by the agent, also provided him with the U‑value calculations for insulation, and were in such detail that they would also be a guide to the actual build.

Peter and a friend demolished the chicken shed with the owner’s permission.  Then CAD plans were submitted for the rebuild – an 8-sided smock mill with, unusually, a granary attached.  Granaries are usually separate from the mill to cut down the risk of fire.

He obtained quotations from millwrights like Vincent Pargeter, but although Vincent’s drawings of the mill-cap were invaluable, he needed to use other tradesmen.  South Ockenden Mill was a useful source of information.  Peter spent over £17,000 on timber, and staddle stones for the granary were £65 each, but he did not tell us how much the trenches, electricity installation, and sewage biotank cost. 

The original 230m track from the road towards the windmill had completely disappeared beneath the field, so he needed to reinstate it and install services (electricity, water, …) in  a trench alongside before any work on the actual mill could start.

The original octagonal base, despite looking in poor condition, and with a tree growing out of it, was in better condition than thought, with 5 good sides bar a couple of courses.  As it was important to preserve as much of the original fabric as possible, for both historical and aesthetic reasons, the decision was taken to restore rather than demolish and rebuild.  One of the benefits of the brickwork being laid with lime mortar was that the bricks could be easily cleaned and reused.

 To provide access to the new granary, a new door was cut through, which provided sufficient reclaimed bricks to restore the outside, thus preserving the character. The original granary was situated slightly south-east of the mill, but it was re-built attached to the mill to provide a kitchen which was impractical within the brick base of the mill.

The granary, with its staddle stones, and the brick tower base

The oak wall plate, and curb (which fits on top of tower). 

The size difference clearly shows the taper of the tower walls.

Erecting the tower

With the windows and door openings cut-out, the mill is really taking shape.  The tower is covered in a breathable membrane, ready for boarding.

The curb in place

Installing the windshaft

The construction of the cap

Lifting the cap onto the curb

There is still a lot to do if the mill is to be fitted with sails:  such as constructing the staging, fitting a brake wheel, and making the cap turn.  The new sails won’t have a full set of shutters, as this would present too much area to the wind.  The remains of a substantial part of the original sails were found in the nearby pond, where they had lain for nearly 80 years!

It seems incredible to realise now, but it took the next 11 years to fit out the inside!  Internally Peter has added beautiful detailing in the windows, balustrades, handrails, stained glass, and tiling.  The mill is bright and light now the walls are plastered.

Luckily Peter is an engineer and skilled in CAD, and so could do all his own technical drawings, and the mathematical calculations for the construction of the smock which gets narrower as it rises, the tenon and other joints, the insulation, flashings, battens, and the underfloor heating would have defeated anyone else.  It is tricky to accommodate windows and staircases in a tapering structure, and it was fascinating to hear how all of this was achieved.

We have arranged a visit to Elmer Mill in May for our members.

Thanks to Peter for his excellent and detailed talk, and for lending us his notes and pictures for this report.