Mount Pleasant Mill facts for kids
Mount Pleasant Mill is a historic windmill located north of Kirton in Lindsey in North Lincolnshire, England. It is a special type of mill called a tower mill. This mill has been grinding grain for a long time. It first used wind power, then a diesel engine, and now electric motors. Today, it still makes organic flour and is a popular place for visitors.
Building the Mill
Mount Pleasant Mill was built in 1875. It was made for a miller named Edric Lansdall. The mill is a four-storeyed tower mill. This means it has four levels and a round, tapering shape. It was built on top of the old round base of an even older windmill.
The mill has a special onion-shaped cap on top. It also has a fantail. This fantail helps to turn the cap and sails into the wind. The tower is made of machine-made bricks. The old base was made of handmade bricks. It's hard to see where the old and new parts join.
Inside the mill, on the second floor, are the millstones. These large stones grind the grain into flour. Originally, there were three pairs of millstones. Two pairs were made of a type of rock called millstone grit. This gritstone came from the Peak District in England. One pair was made of quartzite, also known as French stone. Today, only one pair of gritstone millstones remains.
How the Mill Worked
Mount Pleasant Mill used wind power until 1933. After that, it switched to a diesel engine. This engine kept the mill working until 1973. Fred Banks was the miller who ran it during that time.
This mill is special because it still has its original machinery from the 1920s and 1930s. The original cap and its strong oak frame are still in place. Many important parts are made of cast iron. These include the windshaft, which is a large shaft that connects to the sails. The wallower and upright shaft also help transfer power down. The great spur wheel is another big gear that drives the millstones.
The mill also has a wooden brakewheel. This wheel has a tooth ring made of cast iron. It also has a wooden brake that can stop the sails. In the 1930s, an elevator was added. This elevator replaced an old sack hoist. The hoist used to lift sacks of grain. The new elevator helps to feed grain to the bins on the first floor.
Inside the mill, there is a strong timber frame called a hurst frame. This frame supports the heavy millstones and their casings. It helps to reduce vibrations when the millstones turn. This makes the mill quieter and more stable.
Modern Day Mill
The mill was repaired and updated in 1991. Today, Mount Pleasant Mill is a working flour mill. It makes organic flour, which means it's grown without artificial chemicals. This flour is sold directly to the public. There is also a tea room where visitors can relax and enjoy a drink or snack.
On November 29, 2015, strong winds caused damage to the windmill. Two of its sails and the tail-fan were torn off. Some pieces landed far away. The mill had to close for two weeks for repairs. Now, the mill uses electric motors to power its millstones. This allows it to keep producing a range of organic flours. They also make fresh breads using a wood-fired oven.
