A post mill was standing at Gayton in 1797 when it was marked of Faden's map of Norfolk. The mill was advertised for sale in 1815 and 1819. The tower mill had been built by 1824, when it was marked on the first editionOrdnance Survey map of Norfolk. Robert Matthews was the miller in 1836. In 1872, the mill was offered to let. By then a steam mill powered by a Clayton & Shuttleworthsteam engine was working an additional three pairs of French Burr millstones. The mills were taken by Edward Lewis, who had previously been at a watermill at West Acre. The mill was sold by auction on 23 September 1873 at the Globe Hotel, King's Lynn. It was bought by Edward Lewis. The mills remained in the Lewis family, and a limited company, Gayton Mills Co Ltd, was formed in 1919. The mill had ceased working by wind at this time, power being provided by a Blackstone paraffin engine. The engine was later replaced by a diesel engine. The sails were removed c1925. The mills were worked by engine until 1937. The mill retained its cap and fanstage in 1933 but had become derelict by 1949. The cap and top storey of the mill had been removed by the time the mill buildings were advertised for sale by auction in King's Lynn on 29 July 1980. They were withdrawn from the auction and later sold privately. The new owners converted the mill to a residential craft centre. They also planned to restore the cap and sails of the mill. In 1987, planning permission was granted to use the mill as seasonal holiday accommodation. It is now, however used as accommodation for people who unfortunately have mental health problems.
Description
Gayton Mill was an eight storey tower mill with a stage at the third floor. The tower is inside diameter at base level, with walls thick. It had an ogee cap, and was winded by a six bladed fantail. It had four Patent sails and drove three pairs of overdrift millstones. The surviving stone nut is of cast iron with wooden teeth. The upright shaft is partly wooden and partly cast iron. The great spur wheel is cast iron, it has a cast iron crown wheel underneath. The tower has been truncated by one storey and the top is crenellated.
