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List of windmills in Lincolnshire facts for kids

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Lincolnshire is a county in England that was once home to many windmills. These tall structures used the power of the wind to grind grain into flour or pump water. They were very important for daily life before electricity. Today, many of these historic windmills are gone, but some still stand. This article tells you about some of the most interesting windmills in Lincolnshire, both old and new.

What is a Windmill?

A windmill is a machine that uses the energy of the wind. It has large blades or sails that catch the wind. When the wind blows, the blades turn. This turning motion powers machinery inside the mill. Most windmills were used to grind grain. They turned wheat, barley, or corn into flour. Some windmills were also used to pump water. This was very important in flat, low-lying areas like parts of Lincolnshire.

Types of Windmills in Lincolnshire

There are a few main types of windmills you might find.

  • Post Mills: These are the oldest type. The whole body of the mill, including the machinery, turns on a central post. This allows the miller to turn the mill to face the wind.
  • Tower Mills: These mills have a tall, fixed tower made of brick or stone. Only the cap (the top part with the sails) turns to face the wind. This makes them stronger and able to hold heavier machinery. Most of the remaining windmills in Lincolnshire are tower mills.
  • Smock Mills: These mills have a wooden, often octagonal (eight-sided) body that gets narrower towards the top. Like tower mills, only the cap turns. They look a bit like a farmer's smock, which is where they get their name.

Famous Windmills to Explore

Lincolnshire has some amazing windmills that you can still see today.

Heckington Windmill: The Eight-Sail Wonder

Heckington, Pocklingtons Mill
Heckington Windmill, the only eight-sailed mill in the UK.

The Heckington Windmill is very special. It is the only eight-sailed windmill still working in the United Kingdom. It was built in 1830. Sadly, a big storm damaged it in 1890. But it was rebuilt using parts from another mill. This new mill had eight sails instead of the usual four or six.

It is a tower mill, meaning its main body stays still. Only the top part with the sails moves. This mill is a great example of how people reused and fixed things in the past. It shows how important windmills were to communities.

Maud Foster Windmill: A Tall Landmark

Skirbeck, Boston, Maud Foster Mill
The impressive Maud Foster Windmill in Boston.

The Maud Foster Windmill is one of the tallest working mills in the UK. It stands proudly in Boston. This tower mill was built in 1819. It has five sails and is still used today to grind organic flour.

It's a fantastic place to visit. You can see how flour is made using traditional methods. The mill helps us understand how food was produced long ago. It is a true landmark in the area.

Sibsey Trader Mill: A Historic Beauty

Sibsey, Trader Mill
The Sibsey Trader Mill, a well-preserved tower mill.

The Sibsey Trader Mill is another beautiful tower mill. It was built in 1877. This mill has six sails. It is very well-preserved and looks much like it did when it was first built.

It's a great example of a working mill from the Victorian era. You can imagine the busy life of a miller here. The mill stands as a reminder of Lincolnshire's farming past.

Waltham Windmill: A Local Treasure

Waltham Mill
Waltham Windmill, a popular local attraction.

The Waltham Windmill is a well-known tower mill. It is located near Grimsby. This mill was built in the 1880s. It has five sails.

Today, it is a popular attraction. It has a museum and a shop. It helps people learn about the history of milling. It is a great place for families to visit.

Wrawby Windmill: A Rare Post Mill

Wrawby Postmill
Wrawby Windmill, a rare example of a working post mill.

The Wrawby Windmill is special because it is a post mill. This means the entire body of the mill turns to face the wind. It was built in the mid-to-late 1700s.

Post mills are much older than tower mills. They are also rarer to find still working. Wrawby Mill gives us a glimpse into very early windmill technology. It shows how clever people were at using natural power.

Other Notable Windmills

Lincolnshire has many other windmills with interesting stories.

Alford Windmill: A Historic Site

Alford Hoyles Mill
Alford Windmill, also known as Hoyles Mill.

The Alford Windmill, also known as Hoyles Mill, is a tower mill. It was built in 1813. This mill is a great example of the many mills that once dotted the Lincolnshire landscape. It reminds us of the county's rich history.

Barton upon Humber Mills

Barton Hewsons
Hewson's Mill in Barton upon Humber.

Barton upon Humber had several windmills. Hewson's Mill was built in 1813. Market Place Mill was built in 1810. These mills were important for the local community. They helped process grain for bread and other foods.

Burgh le Marsh Mills

West End Mill, Burgh-le-Marsh-geograph.org-3492960
Hansons Mill, also known as West End Mill.

Burgh le Marsh was home to Hansons Mill (built 1855) and Dobson's Mill (built 1844). These tower mills played a key role in the area's farming economy. They show how busy the countryside once was with milling activity.

Epworth's Mills

Epworth, Brooks Mill
Brook's Mill, also known as White Mill, in Epworth.

Epworth had several important mills. Brook's Mill (1812), Maws Mill (1783), and Thompson's Mill (early 19th century) were all tower mills. They helped feed the local population. These mills were vital for the community's survival.

The Decline of Windmills

By the late 1800s and early 1900s, windmills started to disappear. New technologies like steam engines and later electric motors took over. These new machines were more reliable and did not depend on the wind. Many windmills were torn down or fell into disrepair. Some were even damaged by storms or fires.

Today, the remaining windmills are often preserved as historical sites. They remind us of a time when wind power was essential. They are a link to our past and a symbol of human ingenuity.

Images for kids

  • Addlethorpe Mill

    Ingoldmells Mill, Addlethorpe

  • The Old Windmill - geograph.org.uk - 51651

    Alkborough Mill

  • Barnetby le Wold Mill

    Top Mill, Barnetby

  • Barrow Haven Mill

    Haven Mill, Barrow upon Humber

  • Barrow, Pearsons Mill

    Pearsons Mill, Barrow upon Humber

  • Barton Market Place Mill

    Market Place Mill, Barton upon Humber

  • Baston, Hudsons Mill

    Hudson's Mill, Baston

  • Belton, Westgate Mill

    Westgate Mill, Belton

  • Billinghay windmill, Lincolnshire-geograph.org-3505996

    West Mill, Billinghay

  • Bilsby Mill

    Bilsby Mill

  • Blyton Mill

    Blyton Mill

  • Bell's Mill, Mill Lane, Brigg - geograph.org.uk - 1123421

    Bells Mill, Brigg

  • SFEC LINCOLNSHIRE WINDMILL

    Dobson's Mill, Burgh le Marsh

  • Mill Farm - geograph.org.uk - 405256

    Butterwick Mill

  • Wright's Mill - geograph.org.uk - 133393

    Wright's Mill, Caistor

  • Cleethorpes Mill

    Cleethorpes Mill

  • Coningsby. Mill

    Coningsby Mill

  • Mill Farm, Corringham-geograph.org-2545759

    Winter's Mill, Corringham

  • Little Corringham Mill

    Little Corringham Mill, Corringham

  • Cowbit Mill

    Cowbit Mill

  • Baxter's Mill, Donington-geograph.org-2754656

    Baxter's Mill, Donington

  • Dyke Windmill (geograph 3139237)

    Dyke Mill

  • East Kirkby Mill

    East Kirkby Mill

  • Epworth, Maws Mill

    Maws Mill, Epworth

  • Thomson's windmill (geograph 5616075)

    Thompson's Mill, Epworth

  • Disused Mill at Faldingworth (geograph 5770977)

    Stamp's Mill, Faldingworth

  • Friskney Tofts Mil

    Toft Mill, Friskney

  • Hoyle's Mill, Friskney-geograph.org-3598394

    Hoyle's Mill, Friskney

  • Fulstow Mill-geograph.org-3478560

    Fulstow Mill

  • Gedney Dyke Mill

    Gedney Dyke Mill

  • Gedney Hill Mill

    Gedney Hill Mill

  • Old Mill - geograph.org.uk - 60531

    Goxhill Mill

  • Grainthorpe windmill-geograph.org-3032181

    Grainthorpe Mill

  • Grebby Mill-geograph.org-235234

    Grebby Mill

  • Tower Mill, Hagworthingham - geograph.org.uk - 578562

    Hagworthingham Mill

  • Low Burnham Mill-geograph.org-2262643

    Low Burnham Mill, Haxey

  • Heapham, Hewitt's Mill

    Hewitt's Mill, Heapham

  • Mowbray's Mill, Heckington-geograph.org-1878592

    Mowbrays Mill, Heckington

  • Hibaldstow Mill

    Reeson's Mill, Hibaldstow

  • Horncastle, Spilsby Road Mill

    Spilsby Road Mill, Horncastle

  • Huttoft Mill-geograph.org-2395657

    Huttoft Mill

  • Ingham Mill from near Low Farm - geograph.org.uk - 982243

    Ingham Mill

  • Kirton Mill

    Kirton Mill

  • Mount Pleasant Mill, Kirton in Lindsey

    Mount Pleasant Mill, Kirton in Lindsey

  • Langton Mill

    Langton Mill

  • Leadenham Mill

    Lowfield Mill, Leadenham

  • Leake Commonside, Howsam's Mill

    Howsam's Mill, Leake Commonside

  • Legbourne Mill

    Legbourne Mill

  • Lincoln, Le Tall's Mill

    Le Tall's Mill, Lincoln

  • Lincoln, Ellis Mill

    Ellis' Mill, Lincoln

  • Long Sutton, Brunswick Mill

    Brunswick Mill, Long Sutton

  • Long Sutton Harrison's Mill, Lincolnshire - geograph.org.uk - 476842

    Harrison's Mill, Long Sutton

  • Luddington Mill

    Luddington Mill

  • Old Mill, Ludford - geograph.org.uk - 1720082

    Ludford Magna Mill

  • Lutton Gowts Mill

    Lutton Gowts Mill

  • Maltby le Marsh Mill-geograph.org-1850168

    Maltby le Marsh Mill

  • Mareham le Fen Mill

    Mareham le Fen Mill

  • Marshchapel mill-geograph.org-2919717

    Marshchapel Mill

  • Marton Mill

    Marton Mill

  • Metheringham Mill

    Metheringham Mill

  • Middle Rasen

    Middle Rasen Mill

  • Morton Mill

    Morton Mill

  • Moulton Mill

    Moulton Mill

  • Twin Towers - geograph.org.uk - 1361851

    Rundle's Mill, New Bolingbroke

  • North Kelsey Mill

    New Mill, North Kelsey

  • Oasby Mill - geograph.org.uk - 410985

    Oasby Mill

  • Old Bolingbroke Mil

    Old Bolingbroke Mill

  • Owston Ferry Mill

    Lilley's Mill, Owston Ferry

  • Penny Hill Mill

    Penny Hill Mill

  • Looking south to Pickworth Mill - geograph.org.uk - 329711

    Pickworth Mill

  • Pinchbeck, Glenside Mill

    Glenside Mill, Pinchbeck

  • Saltfleet Mill

    Saltfleet Mill

  • Saxilby Mill

    Saxilby Mill

  • Scopwick Mill - geograph.org.uk - 490178

    Scopwick Mill

  • Scunthorpe Mill

    Long's Mill, Scunthorpe

  • Shepeua Stow, Lawson's Mill

    Lawson's Mill, Shepeau Stow

  • Another Mill - geograph.org.uk - 440981

    Rhoade's Mill, Sibsey

  • Skirbeck, Boston, Maud Foster Mill

    Maud Foster Mill, Skirbeck

  • Sleaford, Money's Mill

    Money's Mill, Sleaford

  • South Rauceby Windmill - geograph.org.uk - 1546934

    South Rauceby Mill

  • Stallingborough Mill - geograph.org.uk - 1132227

    Stallingborough Mill

  • Stamford tower mill, Lincolnshire - geograph.org.uk - 473908

    Stamford Mill

  • Stickford Mill

    Stickford Mill

  • Sturton by Stow Mill

    Subscription Mill, Sturton by Stow

  • Sutterton Mill

    Sutterton Mill

  • Wind pump tower by disused clay pit and brickworks, Sutton Ings (geograph 4547859)

    Sutton Ings Windpump

  • White Pit Mill, Swaby

    White Pit Mill, Swaby

  • Swineshead, North End Mill

    North End Mill, Swineshead

  • Trusthorpe Mill

    Trusthorpe Mill

  • Waddingham, Anderson's Mill

    Anderson's Mill, Waddingham

  • Waddington, Worsdell's Mill

    Worsdell's Mill, Waddington

  • Wainfleet, Salem Bridge Mill

    Salem Bridge Mill, Wainfleet

  • Another Wainfleet windmill (or two) (geograph 3598300)

    Key's Toft Mill, Wainfleet St Mary

  • Wellingore Windmill (geograph 6289479)

    Wellingore Mill

  • Disused Windmill At West Butterwick - geograph.org.uk - 65314

    West Butterwick Mill

  • Mill in the Trees - geograph.org.uk - 459552

    Haven Bank Mill, Wildmore

  • Mill House, Stenwith, Lincolnshire - geograph.org.uk - 153264

    Stenwith Mill, Woolsthorpe

  • Wragby Mill - geograph.org.uk - 521484

    Wragby Mill

  • Seadyke Mill (Seadyke Road, Wrangle or Old Leake, Lincolnshire, England).

    Sea Dyke Mill, Wrangle

  • Wrangle, Toft Mill

    Tofts Mill, Wrangle

  • Wrangle Mill-geograph.org-2780992

    Wrangle Mill

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List of windmills in Lincolnshire Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.