Croxley Green Windmill facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Croxley Green Windmill |
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| Origin | |
| Mill name | Croxley Green Mill |
| Mill location | TQ 067 953 |
| Coordinates | 51°38′47″N 0°27′29″W / 51.64639°N 0.45806°W |
| Operator(s) | Private |
| Year built | c1860 |
| Information | |
| Purpose | Corn mill |
| Type | Tower mill |
| Storeys | Five storeys |
| No. of sails | Four sails |
| Type of sails | Patent sails |
| Winding | Fantail |
| Auxiliary power | Steam engine |
| No. of pairs of millstones | Three pairs |
The Croxley Green Windmill is a historic building located in Croxley Green, Hertfordshire, England. It is a special type of windmill called a tower mill. Today, it's no longer used for grinding grain. Instead, it has been turned into a home. This old mill is so important that it's protected as a Grade II listed site.
Contents
What is the History of Croxley Green Windmill?
When Was the Mill Built?
The Croxley Green Windmill was built around 1860. It was designed to grind corn, which means turning grain into flour.
Who Worked at the Mill?
One of the first millers was Isaac Watts, who worked there in 1861. A miller is the person who operates the mill and grinds the grain.
How Did the Mill Work?
For many years, the windmill used its large sails to catch the wind and power its machinery. However, in the 1880s, the sails were unfortunately blown off. After that, from 1886, the mill started using a Steam engine instead of wind power.
What Was the Mill Used For?
The mill was last used to grind wheat in 1899. After that, it had several different jobs! It was used as a saw mill, cutting wood, and a turnery, where things were shaped on a lathe. By the 1930s, it became a home for chickens and pigeons.
The Mill During World War II
During the Second World War, the windmill played an important role. It was used as an Air Raid Precautions (ARP) observation post. This meant people watched from the top for enemy planes. An air raid siren was even placed on the tower to warn people of danger.
What is the Mill Like Today?
In the 1960s, the windmill was changed into a house. Since 2019, the windmill and its modern extension have been undergoing a restoration project. This work helps to update the building while keeping its historical features.
What Does Croxley Green Windmill Look Like?
Croxley Green Mill is a tall building with five floors. It has a special platform, or stage, on the second floor. The inside of the tower is about 22 feet (6.7 meters) wide at the bottom.
How Did the Mill Operate?
The mill used to have a special cap on top that looked a bit like a boat. This cap could turn to face the wind, thanks to a device called a fantail. The mill had four large Patent sails that spun in the wind. These sails powered three pairs of millstones, which were big, heavy stones used to grind the grain.
Who Were the Millers?
Here are some of the people who worked as millers at Croxley Green Windmill:
- Isaac Watts (1861-1862)
- Philip Howard (1862-1865)
- J Batchelor (1865-1870)
- William Caldwell (1870-1874)
- Ephraim Holloway (1874-1895)
- Hannah Holloway (1895-1900)
