Herne Windmill facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Herne Windmill |
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| Origin | |
| Grid reference | TR 185 665 |
| Coordinates | 51°21′19″N 1°8′13″E / 51.35528°N 1.13694°E |
| Operator(s) | Kent County Council |
| Year built | 1789 |
| Information | |
| Purpose | Corn mill |
| Type | Smock mill |
| Storeys | Three-storey smock |
| Base storeys | Two-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 | Steam engine Oil engine< Electric motor since 1952 |
| No. of pairs of millstones | Three |
| Other information | Originally built on a single-storey base, raised in 1858 to two storeys |
Herne Windmill is a very old and important windmill located in Herne, Kent, England. It was built way back in 1789! This type of windmill is called a "smock mill" because its shape looks a bit like a farmer's smock (a loose outer garment). It's so special that it's a "Grade I listed" building. This means it's considered a very important historical site that needs to be protected.
History of Herne Windmill
Herne Windmill was built in 1789 by a person named John Holman. He was working for a millwright (someone who designs and builds mills) named Sweetlove at the time. Interestingly, there are records of windmills in Herne as early as 1405! This mill replaced an even older "post mill" that was around in 1511. That old mill was even shown on maps from the 1500s and 1600s.
In 1858, the windmill was made taller. A new two-storey brick base was built underneath the original wooden structure. Later, in 1931, an important iron part called a "worm" was installed. This replaced an older wooden one.
During the 1930s, the mill was only working with two sails instead of the usual four. The miller, Frank Wootton, asked for help from a group called the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB). With their support, two new sails were brought from another mill in Norfolk in 1936. A brand new pair of sails was also built. This work was possible thanks to SPAB, the Duchess of Kent, and Trinity House. Trinity House helped because the windmill was an important landmark for ships navigating nearby.
The mill continued to work using wind power until 1952. Sometimes, a steam engine or an oil engine helped it out. After 1952, an electric motor was used to grind grain. Milling with the electric motor continued until 1980.
More recently, on May 21, 2020, the sails of the windmill were removed. This happened during the first lockdown of the COVID-19 pandemic.
How Herne Windmill Works
Herne Mill is a "smock mill" with three main levels on top of a two-storey brick base. It has four large sails, called "double patent sails." These sails are attached to a strong cast-iron shaft called a "windshaft." The top part of the mill, called the "cap," is shaped in a special Kentish style.
The mill turns to face the wind using a "fantail." This is a small windmill at the back that automatically moves the cap so the main sails catch the most wind. There's also a platform, or "stage," between the first and second floors.
Inside, a large "Brake Wheel" helps to transfer power. It's made of both iron and wood. This wheel turns a wooden "Wallower" which is on a tall, wooden "Upright Shaft." This shaft then turns another large wooden wheel called the "Great Spur Wheel." All these gears work together to power three pairs of millstones. These millstones grind the grain from above, which is called "overdrift."
New sails were put on the mill in 2004. Each of these sails is about 33 feet (10.1 meters) long and nearly 6 feet (1.8 meters) wide. When all four sails are on, they have a total span of about 68 feet (20.9 meters). A company called IJP Millwrights did this important work.
Millers of Herne Windmill
Many different families and individuals have worked as millers at Herne Windmill over the years. Here are some of them:
- Webb
- (Job) Lawrence & Sons (John and Edward) 1795 - 1879
- John Lawrence (nephew of Job) 1763 - 1840
- Edward Lawrence 1845 -
- Thomas Wootton 1879 - 1928
- Frank Wootton
- R C & E E Wootton
- Clive Wootton 1925 - 1980
- Robert Wootton
