Somerley Mill, Earnley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Earnley Windmill |
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The mill in 2005
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| Origin | |
| Mill name | Somerley Mill |
| Coordinates | 50°46′44″N 0°50′35″W / 50.779°N 0.843°W |
| Operator(s) | Private |
| Year built | c1803 |
| Information | |
| Purpose | Corn mill |
| Type | Smock mill |
| Storeys | Three-storey smock |
| Base storeys | Single-storey base |
| Smock sides | Eight sides |
| No. of sails | Four sails |
| Type of sails | Two Spring sails and two Common sails |
| Winding | Fantail |
| Auxiliary power | Engine |
| No. of pairs of millstones | Two pairs, a third pair driven by engine |
Somerley Mill is a special type of windmill called a smock mill. It is located in Earnley, Sussex, England. This old building is listed as a Grade II historic site, which means it's important and protected. Currently, the mill is being repaired and brought back to life.
Contents
What is Somerley Mill?
Somerley Mill is a tall, wooden windmill that looks a bit like a person wearing a smock (an old-fashioned shirt). This is why it's called a smock mill! It has three main floors on top of a strong brick base. Windmills like this were once very important for grinding grain into flour.
How Somerley Mill Works
When it was working, Somerley Mill used four large sails to catch the wind. Two of these were called Common sails, and two were Spring sails. These sails turned a big shaft inside the mill. The mill also had a special part called a fantail. This small set of blades on the back of the cap would automatically turn the entire top of the mill so the main sails always faced the wind.
Inside, the mill had two pairs of millstones. These heavy stones would spin to grind corn into flour. There was even a third pair of millstones that could be powered by an engine, just in case there wasn't enough wind.
History of Somerley Mill
Somerley Mill was first mentioned in records around 1803. This means it was built or became well-known around that time. In 1827, the mill was made even stronger when a new brick base was built underneath it. This helped support the tall wooden structure.
When the Mill Was Used
Somerley Mill was an active and busy place for many years. It kept working and grinding corn until 1942. After that, it stopped being used for its original purpose. Today, only the main tower of the mill stands. The top part, called the cap, was removed a while ago. A temporary roof now covers the top to protect the inside from the weather while it waits for full restoration.
People Who Worked at the Mill
One of the last known millers who worked at Somerley Mill was a person named Ellis. They were operating the mill in 1942, the year it stopped working.
