Beacon Mill, Benenden facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Beacon Mill, Benenden |
|
|---|---|
The mill in May 2016
|
|
| Origin | |
| Grid reference | TQ 822 325 |
| Coordinates | 51°3′43.5″N 0°35′52″E / 51.062083°N 0.59778°E |
| Year built | Early nineteenth century |
| Information | |
| Purpose | Corn milling |
| Type | Smock mill |
| Storeys | Three storeys |
| Base storeys | Two storeys |
| Smock sides | Eight-sided |
| No. of sails | Four |
| Type of sails | Single Patent sails |
| Windshaft | Cast iron |
| Winding | Fantail |
| Fantail blades | Eight blades |
| No. of pairs of millstones | Three pairs |
| Size of millstones | 4 feet (1.22 m) diameter |
Beacon Mill is an old windmill located in Benenden, Kent, England. It is a special type of mill called a Smock mill. This means its main body looks a bit like a person wearing an old-fashioned shirt called a "smock."
The mill is a Grade II listed building, which means it's an important historical site. It needs some restoration work to fix it up. Beacon Mill stopped working in 1923 and is now owned by a private person.
Contents
History of Beacon Mill
Early Days of the Mill
Beacon Mill was built in the early 1800s. You can see it marked on old maps from that time. For example, it appeared on the 1819-43 Ordnance Survey map. It was also shown on Greenwood's map from 1821.
Later in the 1800s, Beacon Mill worked with another mill. This other mill was called Wandle Mill, located near the River Rother.
When the Mill Stopped Working
Beacon Mill stopped grinding corn for trade in 1921. Its large sails and the "fantail" were removed in 1923. A fantail is a small windmill at the back that turns the main mill to face the wind.
Two of Beacon Mill's sails were moved. They were put on another mill called the White Mill at Headcorn. The other two sails were meant for the Union Mill, Cranbrook. However, they did not fit that mill.
Some of Beacon Mill's large grinding stones were also moved. These 4-foot (1.22 m) wide millstones went to the Union Mill in Cranbrook.
Repairs and Damage
In 1950, some repairs were done to Beacon Mill. These repairs helped to make sure the mill stayed dry inside.
However, on December 3, 1977, a big storm hit the mill. The top part of the mill, called the cap, was damaged. Most of the roof was then taken off. By 1981, the rest of the cap and the main shaft (called the windshaft) were also removed.
In the early 1980s, the mill was covered in plywood. This was done to protect it from the weather. The plywood cladding is still on the mill today.
What Beacon Mill Looks Like
Beacon Mill has a special design. It has a three-storey "smock" part. This smock sits on a two-storey base made of brick.
The mill was about 50 feet (15.24 m) tall in total. This measurement goes up to the roof of its cap. It had four large sails, called "single Patent sails." These sails were attached to a strong cast-iron windshaft.
A fantail helped the mill turn to face the wind. There was also a wide wooden platform. This platform was at the first-floor level.
Inside, the mill had many gears and wheels. The Brake Wheel was 10 feet (3.05 m) wide. It turned another wheel called the Wallower, which was 5 feet (1.52 m) wide. The Brake Wheel, Wallower, and Upright Shaft were all made of wood. The Great Spur Wheel was made of cast iron with wooden teeth.
