Cawston Road Mill, Aylsham facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Aylsham Windmill |
|
|---|---|
The mill in 2007
|
|
| Origin | |
| Mill name | Aylsham Mill |
| Mill location | TG185265 |
| Coordinates | 52°47′30″N 1°14′21″E / 52.791803°N 1.2391915°E |
| Operator(s) | Private |
| Year built | 1826 |
| Information | |
| Purpose | Corn mill |
| Type | Tower mill |
| Storeys | Seven storeys |
| No. of sails | Four sails |
| Type of sails | Double Patent sails |
| Winding | Fantail |
| Fantail blades | Eight blades |
| Auxiliary power | Steam engine |
| No. of pairs of millstones | Three pairs, a fourth pair worked by engine |
| Year lost | 1920 |
| Other information | Demolition abandoned in 1920 |
Cawston Road Mill is a special type of windmill called a tower mill. It is located in Aylsham, Norfolk, England. This old mill was once used to grind grain. Today, it has been made shorter and turned into a unique place for people to stay on holiday.
History of the Aylsham Windmill
Cawston Road Mill was built in 1826. It was built for a man named Henry Soame. When Henry died in 1833, his son George took over the mill. George ran the mill for many years. Sometimes he would rent it out to other millers.
In 1860, a miller named John Neech faced money problems. So, George Soame took charge of the mill again. The mill was put up for sale in 1864. By this time, a steam engine had been added. This engine helped power the mill when there wasn't enough wind.
In 1865, George Soame had financial trouble. The mill was sold again. Henry Edward Soame, George's brother, bought it for £370. He then rented it to James Faulke. After Henry Edward Soame passed away in 1872, the mill was sold once more.
James Davidson bought the mill for £315. He also ran another mill in Aylsham. Davidson operated the mill until 1896. He then faced money difficulties, and the mill was sold. Charles Stapleton bought it for £100. He then sold it to James Davidson Jr. for £125.
In 1900, James Davidson Jr. also had money problems. The mill was sold to Samuel Lomax. He was a butcher in Aylsham. At this time, the mill could not be powered by wind. It had been hit by lightning. It was struck by lightning again in 1912.
During the First World War, the mill was used by soldiers. It was used by a group called the Royal Army Veterinary Corps. Around 1920, the top part and the sails of the mill blew off. People decided to tear down the mill. But it was built so strongly that they stopped after removing just one floor.
The empty mill tower stood for many years. Its brickwork was rough and broken. In 1998, the old mill tower got a new life. It was changed into a place for holiday visitors. This clever change won an award for saving old buildings.
What the Mill Looked Like
Cawston Road Mill was a very tall building. It had seven levels, or storeys. The top of the mill was shaped like a boat. It had a special part called a fantail with eight blades. This fantail helped turn the mill's top into the wind.
The mill had four large double Patent sails. Each sail had many small parts that could open and close. These sails helped catch the wind. Inside, the mill had three pairs of millstones. These stones ground grain into flour. A fourth pair of stones could be powered by the steam engine. There was also a platform on the second floor.
Millers of Cawston Road Mill
- Henry Soame (1826–1833)
- George Soame (1833–1845)
- William Drake Gardiner
- Harris and John Neech (until 1760)
- George Soame (1860–1865)
- James Faulke (1868–1878)
- James Davidson (1872–1896)
- James Davison Jr (1896–1900)
