Lower Mill, Woodchurch facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lower Mill, Woodchurch |
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Lower Mill in 1995
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| Origin | |
| Grid reference | TQ 943 353 |
| Coordinates | 51°5′0″N 0°46′22″E / 51.08333°N 0.77278°E |
| Operator(s) | Kent County Council |
| Year built | 1820 |
| Information | |
| Purpose | Corn mill |
| Type | Smock mill |
| Storeys | Three-storey smock |
| Base storeys | Single-storey base |
| Smock sides | Eight-sided |
| No. of sails | Four |
| Type of sails | Patent sails |
| Windshaft | Cast iron |
| Winding | Fantail |
| Fantail blades | Eight blades |
| No. of pairs of millstones | Three pairs |
| Other information | Mill worked with Spring sails during its commercial life. Fitted with Patent sails on restoration. |
The Lower Mill is a type of smock mill located in Woodchurch, Kent, England. It was built in 1820. This historic windmill is a very important building. It is protected as a Grade II* listed building, which means it's a special place that needs to be preserved.
Contents
History of Lower Mill: A Journey Through Time
Lower Mill was built in 1820. It was one of two smock mills in the area. The other was called Upper Mill.
The mill's sails changed over time. It might have started with simple sails. In 1848, some sails were sold, possibly for another type called spring sails. These sails were bought by the owner of a different mill in Brenzett.
The mill's location might have shifted. Some think it moved from Susan's Hill Farm in 1852. However, maps from 1838 already showed two windmills at its current spot.
During its working life, the mill used recycled parts. It got millstones from other mills. These came from a smock mill in Dymchurch and a post mill in Kennington. The sails it used when it stopped working in 1926 had also been used on two other mills before.
A steam engine was sometimes used to help power the mill. This happened when the wind wasn't strong enough.
Restoring a Historic Windmill
In 1946, the mill's owner, Sir Sydney Nicholson, made sure the mill was protected from the weather. He planned more repairs, but sadly he passed away the next year.
Local people helped save the mill. In 1957, villagers raised money for two new sails. But soon after, the top part of the mill was found to be unsafe. The new sails had to be taken down.
By the late 1970s, the mill was almost falling apart. Luckily, a big project began to fix it. The mill was fully restored. It was fitted with patent sails, which are more advanced. This was possible because the main shaft could handle them.
A completely new smock tower was built. The restoration finished in 1986. In May 2010, a new platform was added to the mill.
How Lower Mill Works
Lower Mill is a three-story smock mill. It sits on a single-story brick base. It has a special roof called a Kentish-style cap. A fantail helps turn the mill to face the wind.
There is a platform at the first-floor level. The mill has four patent sails. These sails are connected to a strong cast-iron shaft. Inside, a large brake wheel turns a wooden wallower. This wallower is on a wooden upright shaft. Another important gear, the Great Spur Wheel, is also still there.
The mill used to power three pairs of millstones. These stones ground grain from above.
Who Operated Lower Mill?
Many people worked as millers at Lower Mill over the years. They were in charge of grinding the corn.
- Peter Davis (1820)
- John Parton Sr. (until 1831)
- John Parton Jr. (until 1852)
- W & J Rayner (1852–1867)
- J Tanton (1867–1899)
- Albert Tanton (1899–1926)
