Ashcombe Mill, Kingston facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ashcombe Mill |
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Original Ashcombe Mill
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| Origin | |
| Mill location | TQ 392 089 |
| Coordinates | 50°51′47″N 0°01′23″W / 50.863°N 0.023°W |
| Year built | 1828 |
| Information | |
| Purpose | Corn mill |
| Type | Post mill |
| No. of sails | Six sails |
Ashcombe Mill was a special type of windmill called a post mill. It was located near the village of Kingston near Lewes in East Sussex, England. This mill was built in 1828 and was used as a corn mill, which means it ground grain into flour.
The original Ashcombe Mill stood on Kingston ridge, just east of the village. It was likely built by Samuel Medhurst, a millwright from Lewes. He was known for building several other windmills in the area. Sadly, a powerful storm in 1916 completely destroyed the original mill.
Rebuilding Ashcombe Mill
In 2007, a group called Sussex Mills Group received permission to rebuild a new version of Ashcombe Mill. This new building would look like the old mill but would be used as a home.
A Modern Mill
The plan for the new mill was very interesting. It had to be environmentally friendly. It was also designed to create electricity for the National Grid, which is the main power supply system for the country. The new mill will even have one pair of grindstones, just like the old one. The extra electricity it produces will be enough to power three houses!
How the New Mill Was Built
Building the new Ashcombe Mill began in early 2009. First, a strong steel frame was put up. Later that year, wooden panels were added to cover the frame. By the end of 2010, the mill was really taking shape. The tailpole and back steps were attached, and the whole structure was painted white. For the first time, the mill was able to turn on its central axis, just like a real post mill!
