Diss Smockmill

Diss smockmill stood on the corner of Stuston Road and Victoria Road, having been erected on the site of an older postmill that was often known as Chase’s Mill and had been destroyed during a gale in 1839.

The 5 storey mill had an 8 sided tower with a boat shaped cap that had a pettticoat, gallery and a 6 bladed fan. The 4 double shuttered sails each had 8 bays of 3 shutters, drove 2 pairs of French burr stones and were struck by rack and pinion. The upright shaft was made of cast iron.

A separate building stood adjacent that housed the steam roller mills.

The above photograph shows the army from Diss Camp 51 about to give a demonstration with Maxim machine guns on Stuston Common with several civilians looking on.

Diss smockmill and steam roller mill is to the right, the steam chimney and Rose Lane composite mill to the left of centre and the sails of Victoria Road towermill are just visible on the left horizon above the back of the horse.

A quote from the past . . .

NARROW ESCAPE
Last week a young man of the name of Dykes, in the employ of Mr. Rush, miller of Diss, was caught by the gripe taking his handkerchief about his neck, and carrying him up; it must have proved fatal, but some person below, hearing his cries, suddenly stopped the mill, which would otherwise have, by coming in contact with the upper beam, severed his head from his body. – Norwich Mercury. The Times – 9th November 1840.

For more history about this mill and many others, please visit – www.norfolkmills.co.uk