Barton Turf Fen Mill used to empty Horning Marsh

Norfolk Windmill Trust now look after Barton Turf Mill

William Rust, a Yarmouth millwright, constructed Barton Turf Fen Mill in 1875 for the specific task of emptying Horning marsh into the River Ant. Barton Turf Fen Mill looks a lot like High's Mill at Potter Heigham which also has a similar design. The Mill has two levels and measures 31 feet with four double shutter sails each of seven bays, a Norfolk style boat shaped cap and six blades fantail. Remarkably, the Mill has a double scoop wheel with an option of low or high gearing. The Mill discontinued work somewhere in the 1920’s when cow herds no longer fed upon the wetlands. In 1976, major repairs were made to the Mill and Norfolk Windmill Trust assumed control of the Mill. Most recently during 2007 apprentice millwrights were allowed to replace the wooden scoop wheel paddles, of which they made an excellent job.
As a matter of local interest the area of Barton Turf has a Corn Dolly made traditionally that takes the Barton Turf name consisting of a double basket shape design.