Odam’s Mill, Eye

Odam’s Mill, Eye Tower Mill

History of Odam's Mill

This was the last windmill standing in Eye. Only seven 8 sailed windmills were ever built in England. It was built around 1821 and extended in height around 1850s. It was around 71ft in height and had 7 floors.

During one storm in 1895 fifty shutters were torn out of the sails. In the 1920s three of the sails came off and destroyed the granary adjoining the mill. Sails could cost £200 to replace as the main beam was made of a single piece of oak.

Mary Liquorice in The Hartleys of Fletton Tower, 1996, identifies this mill with the one mentioned in The Brickland by L P Hartley who lived locally.

Known owners:

1861 William Palmer

1861 – 1898 Joseph Collins

1898 – 1906 Keeble brothers

1906 – 1938 William Oldham

1938 – 1942 James Oldham

1942 – 1952 Rex Wailes

1952 – 1980s Joseph Odam