Argos Hill Mill, Mayfield facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Argos Hill Windmill, Mayfield |
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The mill in 2003
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| Origin | |
| Grid reference | TQ 571 283 |
| Coordinates | 51°01′59″N 0°14′20″E / 51.033°N 0.239°E |
| Operator(s) | Argos Hill Windmill Trust |
| Year built | 1835 |
| Information | |
| Purpose | Corn mill |
| Type | Post mill |
| Roundhouse storeys | Single storey roundhouse |
| No. of sails | Four |
| Type of sails | Patent sails |
| Windshaft | Cast iron |
| Winding | Tailpole mounted fantail |
| Fantail blades | Eight |
| No. of pairs of millstones | Two pairs, arranged head and tail |
| Other information | Main post constructed of four pieces of timber. |
Argos Hill Mill is a historic post mill located in Argos Hill, Mayfield, East Sussex, England. It is a very important building, recognized as a Grade II* listed site.
As of 2017, a group called the Argos Hill Windmill Trust is working hard to restore it. They want to bring it back to its former glory.
Contents
About the Mill
Argos Hill Mill is a special type of windmill called a post mill. This means the whole top part of the mill can turn to face the wind. It sits on a round, single-story base.
The mill has four large sails, known as patent sails. These sails are attached to a strong iron shaft. To make sure the sails always face the wind, the mill uses a fantail. This is a small windmill at the back that automatically turns the main mill.
A unique feature of Argos Hill Mill is its main support pole. It is made from four pieces of timber joined together. Only two windmills in England, including this one, still have this design.
Inside, the mill used two pairs of large grinding stones. These stones would crush grain to make flour. It has a big iron brake wheel, about 3 meters (10 feet) wide. There is also a wooden tail wheel, which is about 2.4 meters (8 feet) wide. The mill also looks a bit unique because it was extended at the back.
Mill History
Windmills have been on this spot for a very long time, with records going back to 1656. The current Argos Hill Mill was built in 1835.
It used wind power to grind corn until 1927. For many years, different generations of the Weston family ran the mill. In 1929, the fantail blew off in a storm. Then, in 1932, parts were removed from the sails.
In 1955, Uckfield District Council took ownership of the mill. Specialists called millwrights from Heathfield fixed some of its main wooden parts. More repairs were done in 1969 by another company from Burgess Hill. In 1976, a storm damaged one of the sails. A new sail was then put on.
Millers
- Aaron Weston (1844)
- William Richardson (until 1927)
Saving the Mill
In 2007, a survey showed that the mill was in danger of falling apart. Parts like the round base, main beams, sails, and fantail were in very bad shape.
In January 2008, a meeting was held to discuss the mill's future. One idea was to take the mill apart and store it. However, many people, including windmill experts, strongly disagreed. They pointed out that the council had not spent money meant for the mill's upkeep. They also said that demolishing a listed building would make other historic buildings less safe.
Because of this, a group called the Friends of Argos Hill Windmill was formed. Their goal was to save the mill.
Restoration Work
In April 2010, the Argos Hill Windmill Trust was created. This group leased the mill from the council. Their main goal was to restore the mill so it could work again.
In 2011, they started a big fundraising campaign. They also received a large grant from the lottery. A company was hired to fix the main structure of the mill. Volunteers also helped by replacing the outer wooden boards and fixing the roundhouse floor, walls, and roof.
These first two stages of restoration were finished in 2016. This was a huge success, as the mill's sails turned in the wind for the first time in over 80 years! Now, the third stage of the project is underway. This involves rebuilding the fantail and fixing the machinery inside the mill.
You can find more details and information about open days on the Friends of Argos Hill Windmill website.
Images for kids
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The mill in 2003
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The mill in August 2008
See Also
