The Windmill

The most notable landmark just outside the village is the post mill off the Langton Road at Windmill Farm. Mostly obscured from the road by trees, it stands on private land, and there is no access to the public.
It is believed to have been built in the early 17th century although the main post has a carving dated 1711. The mill is owned by The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB), who intend to apply for National Heritage Funds to restore the mill to a fully operational unit.
The mill has been a popular place for the Fernie Hunt meet in the past. Windmill, rear view

The view from the rear.

On the right can be seen part of the shaft and gear wheel of the sails inside the top of the mill. There are two grinding wheels inside, one coarse for grinding grain for animal consumption, and one of smooth Plaster of Paris for producing flour.

(Right), gear mechanism inside the top section.

17th century Post Mill

In use until around the 1920's, the mill is supported by a single tree trunk in the centre (hence the name 'Post Mill'), and has three storeys inside. The brick surround (added much later), is cosmetic, and plays no part in in the support of the building, serving only has a convenient storage area. The top sections are encased in wooden slats, the first floor being where the grain was bagged via a chute from above, and is accessed by the wooden steps at the rear. The top floor is where the actual grinding takes place. Being very dark inside, it is lit by simply opening small wooden panels at the sides. The large beam seen protuding from the rear of the mill in the picture on the left, is used to turn the whole structure on it's central pivot, so that the sails face into the wind.

Special thanks to David Briggs for giving me access to photograph the building.

	February 12th 1999