Great Bircham Windmill facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Great Bircham Windmill |
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Great Bircham Windmill
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| Origin | |
| Mill name | Great Bircham Windmill |
| Grid reference | TF 7606 3272 |
| Coordinates | 52°51′46″N 0°36′49″E / 52.8628°N 0.6135°E |
| Operator(s) | Private |
| Year built | 1846 |
| Information | |
| Purpose | Corn mill |
| Type | Tower mill |
| Storeys | Five storeys |
| No. of sails | Four sails |
| Type of sails | Double Patent sails |
| Windshaft | Cast iron |
| Winding | Fantail |
| Fantail blades | Six blades |
| No. of pairs of millstones | Three pairs, of which two pairs remain. |
The Great Bircham Windmill is a historic windmill located in Great Bircham, Norfolk, England. It's a special type of mill called a tower mill. This means it has a tall, round stone or brick tower. Today, it's a Grade II listed building, which means it's protected because of its historical importance.
Contents
History of the Windmill
The story of windmills in Great Bircham goes way back. The first record of a mill here is from 1761. This early mill was likely a post mill, which is a different type where the whole body of the mill turns to face the wind.
Building the Tower Mill
The old post mill was taken down around 1846. A new, stronger tower mill was built in its place. This new mill was made for George Humphrey. You can still see a stone with the date "1846" on the first floor. The mill was first built with cream-colored bricks. Later, it was covered in tar to protect it.
Who Owned and Ran the Mill?
Over the years, many families worked at the mill. The Humphrey family owned it for a long time. After them, families like the Stantons, Palmers, and Howards took over. The last miller to operate the mill was William Howard. The mill was still working in 1916. However, it stopped grinding grain by 1922. By 1934, its sails and fantail (the small windmill at the back that turns the main cap) were removed.
The Royal Connection and Restoration
For a while, the mill was part of the huge Houghton Estate. In 1939, something very interesting happened: Her Majesty the Queen bought the mill! It became part of the famous Sandringham Estate.
Years later, in 1976, Roger Wagg bought the mill from Queen Elizabeth II. He started a big project to bring the mill back to life. This restoration began in 1977.
Bringing the Mill Back to Life
Restoring the mill was a huge job. In 1979, the old top part, called the cap frame, was taken off. A new cap was then put on. The mill needed new sails too. The first two sails were put on in 1980. The last two were added in 1983. The tower was covered in a special black coating to protect it. Inside, new floors were built. They also added a new platform around the mill. Some of the old machinery was replaced with parts from other windmills. For example, the part that lifted the sacks of grain came from Harpley.
How the Mill Works
Great Bircham Windmill is a five-storey tower mill. This means it has five levels inside. It stands about 52 feet (15.8 meters) tall up to its main top. The base of the mill is about 25 feet (7.6 meters) wide. Its walls are very thick, about 2 feet 6 inches (76 centimeters).
Key Parts of the Windmill
- Cap: The mill has a special curved roof called an ogee cap. It also has a walkway, or gallery, around it.
- Fantail: A small, six-bladed windmill called a fantail is on the back of the cap. This little fan automatically turns the main cap so the big sails always face the wind.
- Sails: The mill has four large double Patent sails. These sails are designed to adjust automatically to the wind's strength.
- Windshaft: The sails are connected to a strong cast-iron shaft called the windshaft. This shaft goes into the mill and turns the gears.
- Gears and Stones: Inside, a large gear called the wallower turns a long upright shaft. This shaft then turns another big gear, the great spur wheel. This wheel powers the millstones. Great Bircham Mill has two pairs of French Burr millstones. These special stones grind the grain into flour.
Visiting the Windmill
Great Bircham Windmill is open to the public! You can visit it daily from Easter until the end of September. It's usually open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. If you're coming with a large group, like a school trip, you can arrange your visit beforehand. It's a great place to learn about how windmills used to work and see history come alive!
