A photo of the old Mill which was at Spalding Common. This Mill, known as Hopkins or Rhodes Mill was a four sail Mill built around 1816. The sails were taken off in 1939, and now the upper part in lost having been removed in 1943. The remains of the mill still stand today and can be seen from the main road behind some houses.
I’ve heard there was a bake house next to the mill making bread, can anyone confirm this ? Also, does anyone have more information or stories about this Mill ?
Picture from South Holland and Boston Blast from the Past
7 Responses
Hi Geoff, Just been browsing South Holland Life, and note details about hopkins mill. I have been interested in mills for many years, live in Spalding, but have never heard of it. It does feature in http://www.windmillworld.com/uk/lincolnshire.htm. although not many details. If I can find anything further, I’ll let you know. Do contact by e-mail if you wish.
Regards Paul Matten.
Hi Paul,
There is quite a bit of information on this mill in the book ” Aspects of Spalding People & Places.” Although no confirmation of a potential bake house next to it. Thanks for your help.
David.
There certainly was a bakehouse, attached to the end of the mill house. I often went in there as a small boy to watch the baking when my grandfather was baker there.
The mill was bought for £1,080 in April 1841 by Samuel Hopkins, a miller from Boston. When he died it was left to his two sons, Joseph and John, the latter taking over the running of the mill since his brother already had a mill in Little London. John’s daughter Sarah married my great-grandfather, Robert William Rhodes, and after John’s death in 1917 Sarah and Robert took over the mill and the bakehouse. Around 1925 Robert’s son Bert, my grandfather, joined his father in the business and worked the mill and a baker’s round (with horse and cart) through surrounding villages until he retired around 1950.
Thank for the information
Regards
Geoff
Hi John, my Great Uncle Joseph Hind is listed as living with your Great grandparents in Ropsley in the 1911 Census. Joe was born in Ropsley, and by 1908, most of his immediate family had immigrated to Australia (having by then living at the Five Bells Inn in Folkingham). For some reason Joseph stayed with the Rhodes, and later he too, immigrated to Aust, where he enlisted in the AIF & was KIA at Bullecourt in 1917. When the new Memorial was built at Ropsley his name was added to it. I have visited Ropsley a few times, as we holiday in Lincoln every two years now,staying with friends. I am wondering if you have any other information ? I only started this search today, as it is Anzac Day over here in Aust, and my thoughts turned to Joseph. Thank you. My email address is: darjohn@westnet.com.au should you read this, and like to make contact.
Hello John, I am currently researching the Rhodes family as they are my ancestors. I am just looking at Robert William Rhodes and his family at the moment. I googled for any information on Mill house as I knew most of the family had lived there.
Let’s hope you get a response. Geoff