Ashby's Mill facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Brixton Windmill |
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The mill in 2017
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| Origin | |
| Mill name | Ashby's Mill |
| Grid reference | TQ 303 737 |
| Coordinates | 51°27′12″N 0°07′26″W / 51.453219°N 0.123849°W |
| Operator(s) | London Borough of Lambeth |
| Year built | 1816 |
| Information | |
| Purpose | Corn mill |
| Type | Tower mill |
| Storeys | Four storeys |
| No. of sails | Four sails |
| Type of sails | Two Common sails and two Patent sails |
| Windshaft | Cast iron |
| Winding | Hand winded by wheel and rope |
| Auxiliary power | Steam engine, later replaced by a gas engine |
Ashby's Mill, often called Brixton Windmill, is a special old building in Brixton, London. It is a type of windmill known as a tower mill. It was built a long time ago, in 1816. This historic mill has been carefully saved and restored. It is a Grade II* listed building, which means it is a very important historical site.
Contents
History of Brixton Windmill
Brixton Windmill was built in 1816. It used wind power to grind grain until 1862. At that time, the milling business moved to a watermill in Mitcham. The windmill's sails were taken off in 1864. After that, the mill was just used as a storage building.
From Wind to Engine Power
In 1902, the lease on the watermill ended. So, a steam engine was put into the windmill. This engine helped to power the mill. Later, a gas engine replaced the steam engine. The windmill continued to work using engine power until 1934. It supplied wholemeal flour to fancy hotels and restaurants in London.
Saving the Mill
After World War II, there were plans to knock down the mill. They wanted to build new homes there. But the idea was stopped, and people decided to save the mill instead. The London County Council restored it in 1964. New sails were added, and machinery from another old windmill was installed. The mill was opened to the public in 1968.
In 1971, Lambeth Council took over the mill. They still own it today. More restoration work happened in 1978 and 1983. However, by 1995, the windmill was put on a list of "Buildings at Risk." This meant it needed more urgent repairs.
Modern Restoration Efforts
In 2003, a group called "The Friends of Windmill Gardens" was formed. Their goal was to restore the windmill and the area around it. They wanted to make it a nice public space. In 2004, an archaeological dig took place. This helped them learn more about the mill's past.
Lambeth Council gave a grant of £25,000 for repairs. A bigger restoration plan was created, costing £2,000,000. The Heritage Lottery Fund gave a large grant of £397,700. Lambeth Council and the Friends of Windmill Gardens also helped raise money. The total cost of this restoration was £581,000. The newly restored mill officially opened on May 2, 2011.
What Brixton Windmill Looks Like
Ashby's Mill is a four-storey brick tower mill. It has a special cap on top that looks like a boat. It used to have two Patent sails and two Common sails. The cap was turned by hand using a wheel. It did not have a fantail, which is a small windmill that automatically turns the cap into the wind.
The only original part of the machinery that remains is the cast iron windshaft. This is a strong rod that connects the sails to the gears inside. The base of the mill is about 22 feet (6.7 meters) wide. It stands about 39 feet 6 inches (12 meters) tall to the curb, which is the top edge of the tower. The total height of the mill is about 49 feet (15 meters).
Millers
- John Ashby 1816 - 1845
- Joshua Ashby 1860s - 1934
See also
In Spanish: Molino de viento de Brixton para niños
