Barton Mills [on the path to Mildenhall from the mill, April 2009]

About Barton Mills

The toponymy (scientific study) of the name 'Barton Mills' has determined a generic meaning of 'corn farm by the mill'. While this is as good a reason for the name of the village as any the more popular belief hails from an earlier known name.

Registered as 'Little Barton' in John Marius Wilson's Imperial Gazetteer of England and Wales (penned 1870-72) it is believed the name evolved from mis-naming by travellers heading from London to Norwich.

The Bull Inn (now Olde Bull Inn) has been a coach house and inn for some 500 years. Across the road and over the river Lark sits the Mill. It seems those travelling through or staying at the Bull Inn at 'Little Barton' may have used the Barton part of the name and referenced the landmark of the mill: Barton Mills.

1086 A recorded population of 24 existed with 2 fisheries, 2 horses, 5 cattle, 3 sheep and 3 pigs

1150 Norman tower built at the church

1290 Barton Mills now consists of 3 fields; East Field, Middle Field and West Field

1299 Profit from the field crops was £22.16s. 10. ½d.

1490 Street Farm built

1553 Monks Manor granted to Simon Steward of Lakenheath

1603 Population of 70 adults

1600 - 1649 Occupations: 3 husbandmen, 6 yeomen, 1 shepherd, 1 maltser, 1 carpenter, 1 butcher.

1786 Monks Manor owned by Thomas Thoresby

1844 Baptist Chapel opened

1844 Main occupations: Large corn mill and wharf. Recreation: Bull Inn and the Dog Partridge public houses, 2 beerhouses, 640 inhabitants

1845 Village school built

1884 Lord Mayor’s cottage was a sweet shop

1885 Mildenhall Railway Stration opened in Barton Mills parish

1885 Monks Manor owned by O.T. Read of Mildenhall

1901 Population 444

1910 Earliest record of a football team

1911 Clock inserted in to the church tower

1931 Village Hall built

1935 Dairy in Worlington Road founded by Richard Parker; started with 6 cows

1937 Sandfords ‘Dahlia Gardens’ opened

1937 Phone box put on Bell Lane fourcourt

1939 Village school closed

1959 Dog & Partridge almost destroyed by fire

1962 Last passenger train left Mildenhall Railway Station

1964 Last freight train left Mildenhall Railway Station

1976 First ‘Barton Miller’ (parish magazine) delivered to all houses in the village

1986 A11 dual carriageway opened

1999 2nd Scarecrow Festival enters Guinness Book of Records. Population of Barton Mills Parish: 940

Photo's courtesy of Francis Frith © 2009

Compiled on behalf of Barton Mills Parish Council by Pamela Boura and Robert Lewis with the help of Bryant Maitland, Carol Mullender, Charlie Peachey, Arthur Rutterford, Richard West, Joy Willis, Robert Lewis, Norma Chapman, Olive Jennings, Francis Lewis, Dr. Bryan

Rainbow Time

Parents, pre-schoolers and babies can take a positive 'time-out' at Barton Mills Village Hall for a entertaining morning with the Rainbow Club.

Karen welcomes you with a smile and provides a range of toys, games and learning activities for parents & children to engage in.

The Autumn term with a great selection of season relevant activities has begun - you can join the Rainbow Club as time allows on Mondays and Wedensdays from 10-11.30am at £1.50 per session.

The editors' toddler loves it, and a 2 year old knows about these things!

Rainbow Club, £1.50 per child per session.
Contact Karen on 01638 713258

Barton Mills regular events

CAR BOOT SALES

BartBoots, 8am-2pm
www.bartboots.co.uk
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LIVE MUSIC

Bell Lane Solstice: acoustic sets at The Bell. Summer Solstice Saturday.
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LIVE MUSIC

BullFest: Live rock, blues, indie and pop. Check here for updates.
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FESTIVAL

Scarecrow Festival. Internationally known, bi-annual event that takes over Barton Mills.
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SIGN WRITING

H SIgns
Traditional & modern signs, Barton Mills
> 01638 713647
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WEDDINGS & PARTIES

Box of Delights
Barton Mills
> 01638 718753
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