Monument record FRK 029 - Highfields, Chippenham Road, Freckenham

`Small smock mill, demolished c. 1910. The base remains as a store' (S1). Built before 1781 (S2) shown on enclosure map of 1824 (S5). According to (S6) dismantled and taken down between 1921 and 1924. Base recently demolished by owner down to ground level. Intends infilling last `foot' of mill base to use as part of driveway to proposed new garage (S4).
Possibly same as windmill recorded in 1634 - see Misc PMed. Also possibly same windmill shown on Ogilby's Map, 1675 (S7).

2006: Initial monitoring of a single trench revealed a possible pit which contained sherds of probable Iron Age pottery. 0.8m west of this pit survived the footings of the smock mill. A slight widening of the excavation exposed the interior edge as well as the exterior (S9). Included in the Proceedings of the Suffolk Institute of Archaeology and History annual round up of individual finds and discoveries for 2006 (S13).

2006: Continued Archaeological monitoring of groundworks for three extensions to Highfields, Freckenham, identified evidence of three phases of past activity. A substantial phase of Early Iron Age occupation in the immediate vicinity was indicated by the finds assemblage although only a single feature dated to this period was identified. A less substantial phase of activity in the Roman period was also indicated by elements of the finds assemblage. The groundworks also confirmed the presence, position, shape and size of a post-medieval smock mill known from 19th century mapping. The foundations of the octagonal structure and parts of the basal course of the brick built ground floor structure that stood upon it, were shown to survive intact. The brickwork, which in turn would have supported the wooden windmill frame, dates to the 17th-early 18th century supporting the suggestion in the Suffolk HER that the mill is one shown on 17th century mapping (S8). Included in the Proceedings of the Suffolk Institute of Archaeology and History annual round up of individual finds and discoveries for 2006 (S13).

NHRE Related Archives/Object: BF004849 WINDMILL FRECKENHAM, FRECKENHAM