Balsall Common Mill, Berkswell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Berkswell Windmill |
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Berkswell Windmill
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| General information | |
| Architectural style | Windmill |
| Town or city | Balsall Common, West Midlands |
| Country | England |
| Coordinates | 52°22′51″N 1°38′08″W / 52.380768°N 1.635434°W |
| Construction started | 1826 |
| Technical details | |
| Structural system | Brick tower, boat cap |
Berkswell Windmill is a historic building located in Balsall Common, a village in the West Midlands, England. It was built in 1826. This windmill is a type called a tower mill, which means it has a tall, round brick base.
Windmills like Berkswell were once very important. They used the power of the wind to turn large grinding stones. These stones would then grind grain into flour for bread or feed for animals.
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Discovering Berkswell Windmill
Berkswell Windmill stands tall with four large blades. It is made of brick and has a special wooden top called a "boat cap." This cap can turn to face the wind. It uses a clever chain system to do this.
Originally, the mill relied only on wind power. But in 1927, something changed. A diesel engine was added to help turn the grinding wheels. This meant the mill could still work even on days when there was no wind. The mill finally stopped working in 1948. This was after the last miller, John Hammond, passed away.
A Look Back: The Mill's History
The Berkswell Windmill you see today was built in 1826. It was actually built on the same spot where an older type of windmill, called a post mill, once stood. For many years, it was busy grinding flour and animal feed for the local area.
After it closed in 1948, the windmill started to fall apart. But people wanted to save this important piece of history. Between 1973 and 1975, a specialist called a millwright, Derek Ogden, worked to restore it. He brought it back to life for its owners at the time, George and Betty Field. It even had its sails and all the original machinery inside.
Protecting a Piece of History
Berkswell Windmill is a very special building. It is listed as a Grade II* building. This means it is a particularly important building of more than special interest. It is also a scheduled monument. This gives it extra protection because of its historical importance.
After its first restoration, the windmill again needed repairs. This happened after its owner passed away. In 2006, a new owner bought the mill. They began another big project to restore it.
What's Happening Now?
The windmill is currently closed to visitors. This is because it is undergoing a lot of repair work. The restoration includes fixing the walls around the mill. Workers are also repairing the main tower and the wooden cap at the top. New sails are also being made and fitted. This work will help make sure Berkswell Windmill can stand tall for many more years to come.
