Building record SPT 036 - Sproughton Mill, Lower Street, Sproughton

Sproughton Mill is a Grade II listed, typical example of an early industrial structure, probably dating to the 18th C. 2 arches span the mill race beneath the building providing power to an undershot mill wheel, although this has been removed. The structure retains a high quality and picturesque brick façade ad weatherboarded hoist loft extending from its upper floor. Massive baltic softwood joisting supports several floors. The ground floor retains a robust oak frame, which formally enclosed the milling machinery, most of which has been removed, though some pulley wheels remain in the roof space. One corner has been extensively re-built in the recent past (S1,S3). Included in the Proceedings of the Suffolk Institute of Archaeology and History annual round up of individual finds and discoveries for 2010 (S4).

Watermill. Late C18. Red brick in Flemish bond, hipped glazed Black pantile roof. 4 storeys, 5 bays, the left and right bays having blind recessed brick panels beneath segmental arches. The 2nd and 4th bays have 12-light timber casements beneath similar arches. The central bay has a boarded door to the ground floor and first floor, that to ground floor beneath flat arch, and a 2 storey Lucum above. 4 round iron ties to 2nd and 3rd floors. Left hand return. Double boarded doors. 3 blind recessed brick panels. Ties to 1st, 2nd and 3rd floors. Rear: Arranged as the front elevation but the central bay is plain, without openings. Mill race beneath mill, fed through 2 brick arches beneath brick wall with stone parapet, set forward from the mill building. No internal fittings or machinery. Mill in use until 1947 (S2).