King's Head Mill facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Battle Windmill |
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The mill in 2007
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| Origin | |
| Mill name | Kings Head Mill Caldbec Hill Mill |
| Grid reference | TQ 748 166 |
| Coordinates | 50°55′19″N 0°29′10″E / 50.922°N 0.486°E |
| Operator(s) | Private |
| Year built | 1805 |
| Information | |
| Purpose | Corn mill |
| Type | Smock mill |
| Storeys | Four-storey smock |
| Base storeys | Single-storey base |
| Smock sides | Eight sides |
| No. of sails | Four sails |
| Windshaft | Cast iron |
| Winding | Fantail |
| Fantail blades | Six blades |
| No. of pairs of millstones | Three pairs |
The King's Head Mill (also known as Caldbec Hill Mill) is a special type of windmill called a smock mill. It is located in Battle, Sussex, England. This old building is now a home, but it used to grind corn for people. It is officially recognized as a Grade II listed building, which means it's an important historical site.
History of the Mill
The King's Head Mill was built in 1805. It took the place of an even older windmill, called a post mill. This new mill worked hard, grinding corn for many years. It kept working right up until the First World War began.
After the war, in 1924, the mill stopped working. All its grinding parts were taken out. The building was then changed into a house. A company called Neve's, who were expert mill builders from Heathfield, did this conversion work.
What is a Smock Mill?
The King's Head Mill is a smock mill. This means it has a wooden tower that looks a bit like a farmer's smock (a loose shirt). This mill has four main levels, or storeys, on top of a single-storey brick base.
The top part of the mill is called a cap. It is built in a style common in Kent. This cap could turn to face the wind. It moved using a special device called a fantail. A fantail is like a small propeller at the back of the cap. It automatically turns the cap to catch the wind.
When the mill was working, it had four large sails. These sails had special shutters that could open and close. The sails were connected to a strong cast-iron rod called a windshaft. This windshaft spun around and powered three pairs of millstones. These heavy stones would grind the corn into flour.
Today, the windshaft you see at the mill is not the original one. It was added when the mill became a house. The real, original windshaft from the King's Head Mill is now on display. You can see it at the Polegate windmill.
Who Ran the Mill?
Over the years, several people worked as millers at the King's Head Mill. They were in charge of grinding the corn. Here are some of the millers who worked there:
- William Neve: 1805 - 1839
- Porter: 1839 - 1860
- Henry Harmer: Around 1911-1914
- Jenner: Just before World War I
