Button's Mill, Tower mill in Diss, England
Button's Mill is a cylindrical brick tower with six stories and a domed cap. The structure stands on Victoria Road and showcases the classic form that grain mills took in this region during their working years.
Thomas Jay built the mill in 1817 with eight sails, making it one of the largest mills in Norfolk at that time. It was converted to residential use in 1973 and has served as a private home since then.
The mill served as a vital hub where local farmers brought their grain and gathered to exchange news and updates. It shaped the character of the village and was woven into the everyday life of the community.
The mill is now a private residence and cannot be visited inside. You can appreciate its impressive exterior and architecture from Victoria Road and take photographs from the street.
The original equipment was remarkable: each of the eight sails had three shutters operated by rack and pinion mechanisms. This clever system allowed millers to adjust the speed precisely as wind conditions changed throughout the day.
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