Swingate Mill, Guston facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Swingate Mill, Guston |
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Swingate Mill, 1913
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| Origin | |
| Grid reference | TR 334 444 |
| Coordinates | 51°9′3″N 1°20′4.5″E / 51.15083°N 1.334583°E |
| Year built | 1849 |
| Information | |
| Purpose | Corn mill |
| Type | Tower mill |
| Storeys | Four storeys |
| No. of sails | Four |
| Type of sails | Patent sails |
| Windshaft | Cast iron |
| Winding | Fantail |
| Fantail blades | Six blades |
| No. of pairs of millstones | Three pairs |
Swingate Mill is a historic tower mill located in Guston, Kent, England. It was built in 1849 and is a special type of building called a Grade II listed structure. This means it's an important old building that needs to be preserved. Windmills like Swingate Mill were once very important for grinding grain into flour.
The History of Swingate Mill
Swingate Mill was built in 1849 for a person named John Mummery. Parts of the mill, like its top (called the cap), its large arms (sails), and its main shaft, were actually from another windmill. That other mill was supposed to be built in Dover but never was.
The mill worked by wind power for many years. However, in 1943, its sails were damaged during a conflict. New sails were put on in 1947. Sadly, in 1959, a strong wind from the wrong direction hit the mill. This event, called "tail-winded," caused the mill to lose its cap and sails.
How Swingate Mill Was Built
Swingate Mill is a four-storey building made of brick. It has a special type of roof, or cap, known as a Kentish-style cap. The mill had four large arms, called patent sails, which caught the wind. These sails were connected to a strong cast-iron shaft inside the mill.
A device called a fantail helped turn the mill's cap so the sails always faced the wind. There was also a platform, or stage, on the first floor. Inside, the mill used three pairs of large millstones to grind grain. All the machinery that made the mill work was made of cast iron.
Who Operated Swingate Mill?
Many people worked as millers at Swingate Mill over the years. A miller is someone who operates a mill and grinds grain. Here are some of the millers who worked there:
- John Mummery (1849 - 1907)
- Ebeneezer A Mummery (1907 - 1918)
- George Sheaff (1922 - 1930)
- Thompsett (1930 - 1947)
