Alfriston Windmill facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Alfriston Mill |
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Alfriston Mill c1905
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| Origin | |
| Mill name | Alfriston Mill |
| Coordinates | 50°48′14″N 0°09′11″E / 50.804°N 0.153°E |
| Operator(s) | Private |
| Year built | 1834 |
| Information | |
| Purpose | Corn mill |
| Type | Tower mill |
| Storeys | Three storeys |
| No. of sails | Four sails |
| Type of sails | Spring sails |
| Winding | Fantail |
| Fantail blades | Six blades |
| No. of pairs of millstones | Two pairs |
Alfriston Windmill is an old tower mill found in Alfriston, Sussex, England. This historic building, once used to grind corn, has now been changed into a home.
The Story of Alfriston Windmill
Alfriston Windmill was built in 1834. For many years, it helped local farmers by grinding their corn into flour. It was a busy place!
The mill kept working until 1905. That year, one of its large sails was accidentally damaged by a cow. Even with a broken sail, the mill continued to operate for two more years using only two sails.
By 1908, the mill stopped working completely. All of its machinery, like the gears and grinding stones, was removed. By 1910, the old windmill had been cleverly converted into a house.
How Alfriston Windmill Worked
Alfriston Windmill is a three-storey brick tower mill. This means it was built from bricks and shaped like a tall tower.
It originally had four special spring sails. These sails would catch the wind to make the mill's machinery move. The top part of the mill, called the beehive cap, could turn to face the wind. This turning was done by a fantail, which had six blades.
Inside, the mill used to power two pairs of millstones. These stones would spin and grind the corn. Today, only the main tower remains, with extra parts added to make it a comfortable home.
