Draper's Mill, Margate facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Draper's Windmill, Margate |
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| Origin | |
| Grid reference | TR 363 700 |
| Coordinates | 51°22′47.7″N 1°23′36″E / 51.379917°N 1.39333°E |
| Operator(s) | Kent County Council |
| Year built | 1845 |
| Information | |
| Purpose | Corn mill |
| Type | Smock mill |
| Storeys | Four-storey smock |
| Base storeys | Single-storey base |
| Smock sides | Eight-sided |
| No. of sails | Four |
| Type of sails | Double Patent sails |
| Windshaft | Cast iron |
| Winding | Fantail |
| Fantail blades | Six blades |
| Auxiliary power | Gas engine |
| No. of pairs of millstones | Three pairs |
Draper's Windmill, also known as the Old Mill, is a special type of windmill called a Smock mill. It's located in Margate, Kent, England. This historic mill was built a long time ago, in 1845, and is protected as a Grade II listed building because of its importance.
History of Draper's Windmill
Draper's Windmill was built in 1845. A skilled builder of mills, John Holman from Canterbury, constructed it. This new mill replaced an older one that had been moved from Nayland Point.
This windmill is very special because it's the only one left from a group of three mills. The other two were called Little Draper's Mill and The Pumper. Maps from as far back as 1695 show that a mill has been in this area for a very long time.
Draper's Windmill used wind power until 1916. After that, it used a gas engine to grind corn until the late 1930s. The large sails and the fantail, which helps the mill face the wind, were taken off in 1927.
In 1965, there was a plan to tear down the mill. But a group called the Draper's Windmill Trust was formed to save it. Mr. R. M. Towes, who was the head teacher of Drapers Mills School nearby, helped start this trust.
In 1968, the Kent County Council bought the mill. They spent over £2,000 to fix it up. The fantail was put back in 1970. Then, in December 1971, one pair of new sails was added. The second pair of sails was put on in the autumn of 1974.
How Draper's Windmill Works
Draper's Windmill is a four-storey smock mill. This means it has a wooden tower that looks like a smock, which is a type of old-fashioned shirt. It sits on a single-storey brick base. There is a platform, called a stage, at the first-floor level.
The mill has four large sails, called double Patent sails. Each sail is about 26 feet 6 inches (8.08 meters) long and 6 feet 6 inches (1.98 meters) wide. When all four sails are on, they span about 66 feet (20 meters) across. These sails are attached to a strong cast-iron shaft.
A special part called a fantail helps the mill turn to face the wind. This makes sure the sails always catch the most wind. Inside, a large brake wheel, about 8 feet 6 inches (2.59 meters) wide, helps control the mill's speed. The mill has three pairs of millstones that grind corn. They are driven from above.
Millers of Draper's Windmill
Over the years, several people operated Draper's Windmill. These are some of the millers who worked there:
- J Banks (around 1847)
- F & E Darby
- Thomas Messiter Ind JP
- Thomas R Laidlaw
