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 Old Mill, is a historic building in Margate, Kent, England. It was built in 1845 and is a special type of windmill called a Smock mill. It is listed as a Grade II building, which means it is important and protected. This mill used to grind corn into flour.
Contents
History of Draper's Windmill
Building the Mill
Draper's Windmill was built in 1845 by a mill builder named John Holman from Canterbury. It replaced an older mill that had been moved here before. This mill is the only one left from a group of three windmills that once stood in the area. Old maps from as far back as 1695 show that there have been mills on this spot for a very long time.
How the Mill Worked
The mill worked using wind power until 1916. After that, it used a 20 horsepower (15 kW) 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.
Saving the Mill
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 group. In 1968, the Kent County Council bought the mill. They spent over £2,000 to fix it up.
Restoration Efforts
The fantail was put back on the mill in 1970. Then, one pair of sails was put up in December 1971. A new platform, called a stage, was given to Draper's Mill. This stage was originally made for another mill, but it was changed to fit Draper's. The second pair of sails was added in the autumn of 1974.
What Draper's Windmill Looks Like
Draper's Windmill is a four-storey smock mill. It stands on a single-storey base made of brick. A "smock mill" gets its name because its shape looks a bit like a farmer's smock (a loose outer garment). There is a platform, or stage, around the mill at the first-floor level.
Sails and Machinery
The mill has four "double Patent sails." These sails are about 26 feet 6 inches (8.08 meters) long and 6 feet 6 inches (1.98 meters) wide. When they spin, they cover a total width of about 66 feet (20 meters). These sails are attached to a strong cast-iron shaft. A special part called a fantail helps the mill turn automatically to face the wind. Inside, the mill has three pairs of millstones that grind the corn.
Millers of Draper's Windmill
Here are some of the people who worked as millers at Draper's Windmill:
- J Banks (around 1847)
- F & E Darby
- Thomas Messiter Ind JP
- Thomas R Laidlaw
