The Catt Family and Hamlins Mill

The history of the Catt family is closely tied to the milling traditions of Hailsham, East Sussex, where generations worked within a trade that was once central to rural life.


The mill most strongly associated with the family was originally known as Lower Mill, one of two mills serving the Hailsham area. Over time, it was renamed Hamlins Mill, a name that remains linked to its history.

This windmill, built in 1834 for Mr. Robert Kenward by Messrs. Burgess of Lewes, was constructed as a smock mill — a type of windmill named for its resemblance to the smocks worn by country workers. Its distinctive shape made it a familiar feature of the Sussex landscape.

Over the years, several millers were connected to the site. In 1859, Mr. John Mercer took on the mill. Working alongside him were Messrs. Dann, Catt, and Boniface, who served as manager, grinder, and loader respectively. When Mercer retired in 1879, they continued the business as partners. 

During the following years, the partners went their separate ways. Mr. Dann entered the bakery trade in Edenbridge, while Mr. Boniface moved to Herberdting (?) Mill to continue working as a miller. This left David Catt, who went on to establish his own milling and bakery business in 1886.

In 1888, David Catt mortgaged the mill from Mr. Mercer and became its owner, marking a significant milestone in the family’s history. His journey was a remarkable one — having started as a millhand lodging at Mill House, he rose to ownership within just seventeen years.

The mill itself was equipped with three pairs of wind-driven stones — two pairs of burrs and one pair of peaks. Later, a fourth pair of composition stones was added in the base of the mill, powered by a suction gas engine, reflecting the gradual introduction of more modern methods alongside traditional wind power.

Following David Catt’s death, the mill and the business were passed down to his son, Ebenezer Catt, and remained within the family for many years. The milling business continued until 1967, when trading eventually ceased after the death of one of the partners.

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