Swim Coots Mill, Catfield facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Catfield Windmill |
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| Origin | |
| Mill name | Swim Coots Mill |
| Mill location | TG 4113 2122 |
| Coordinates | 52°44′05″N 1°34′13″E / 52.73472°N 1.57028°E |
| Operator(s) | Private |
| Year built | Early 18th century |
| Information | |
| Purpose | Drainage mill and grist mill |
| Type | Tower mill |
| Storeys | Two storeys |
| No. of sails | Four sails |
| Type of sails | Double Patent sails |
| Winding | Fantail |
| Fantail blades | Six blades |
| No. of pairs of millstones | One pair |
| Type of pump | Scoopwheel |
| Scoopwheel diameter | 5 feet 2 inches (1.57 m) |
Swim Coots Mill is an old tower mill located in Catfield, a village in Norfolk, England. This special mill used to grind grain and pump water. Today, it has been saved and still has some of its original parts inside.
The Story of Swim Coots Mill
Swim Coots Mill was built a long time ago, in the early 1800s. It even appeared on a map made in 1838 by the Ordnance Survey, which maps out the land.
The mill was busy working until at least the 1930s. But by 1978, it was no longer used and was falling apart. Luckily, people decided to save it! The mill has since been repaired and its tower now has a new roof.
How Swim Coots Mill Was Built
Swim Coots Mill is a tower mill, which means it has a tall, round stone tower. It has two main levels inside.
Long ago, the mill had a special top, called a cap, that looked a bit like a boat. This cap could turn to face the wind, thanks to a "fantail" at the back. A fantail is a small windmill that automatically turns the main cap into the wind.
The mill had four large "Double Patent sails." These are the big arms that catch the wind. The tower itself is about 4.6 meters (15 feet) wide at the bottom. It stands about 5.8 meters (19 feet) tall up to where the cap used to sit.
Inside, the mill had a large "scoopwheel" that was about 1.57 meters (5 feet 2 inches) across. This wheel was used to pump water. The mill also had one pair of "millstones" to grind grain into flour.
