Waltham Windmill facts for kids
The Waltham Windmill is a special windmill with six sails. You can find it in the village of Waltham, which is about five miles from Grimsby in North East Lincolnshire, England. This windmill is famous because all six of its sails still work perfectly. It's one of the very few windmills like this in the whole United Kingdom!
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Building the Windmill
The very first windmill on this spot was built a long, long time ago in 1666. It was a type called a trestle post mill. This location was great because it was on Brigsley Road, making it easy to transport goods to Grimsby and from the farms in the Lincolnshire Wolds.
Sadly, this first mill was blown down by strong winds in 1744. But don't worry, another post mill was quickly built to take its place. Unfortunately, the second mill also had a tough time and was blown down in 1873.
The windmill you see today started being built in 1878. It was finished in 1880 by a talented painter named John Saunderson from Louth, Lincolnshire. This new windmill was made from local bricks and covered with tar to protect it from the weather. It had six floors and was much bigger than the old post mills. It also had six double-sided sails that powered four pairs of grinding stones. These stones were used to make flour from grain.
Later Years and Changes
In the 1920s, the windmill's sails were changed. They became single-sided sails. This made the windmill work better when the wind was not very strong.
During World War II, when RAF Grimsby airbase was being built nearby, some officials thought the windmill might help German bombers find their way. They wanted to remove it. However, the farmer who owned the mill was very determined to protect his property. He made sure they understood he wanted his windmill to stay. Because of his strong feelings, they decided not to touch the windmill. Another landmark, the Grimsby Dock Tower, also survived because it held a Royal Navy radio transmitter. Sadly, the Binbrook Windmill was taken down.
By 1962, Waltham Windmill was one of the last windmills in England that still worked fully by wind power. From 1962 until 1967, it was powered by electricity instead of wind.
The Windmill Today
Today, the Waltham Windmill is a popular place to visit. Around the windmill, you can find a miniature railway, a museum about the RAF and local country life, a cafe, an ice cream shop, and even an Indian restaurant.
The windmill itself is still standing tall. It is looked after by the Waltham Windmill Preservation Society and the Waltham Windmill Trust. They hold many fun events throughout the year. These include picnics and family days, especially in the summer. There are also classic car and bike rallies, and a yearly firework display held on the first Saturday of November.
Interesting Facts
In 2001, the top part of the windmill, called the cap, and its sails were taken off. They were carefully restored and repainted to keep the windmill looking good.
The windmill is also a symbol for the local Waltham Infant and Junior Schools. You can see it on their logos!
In 2013, the windmill had more restoration work done, which cost about £30,000. This helped keep it in great condition for everyone to enjoy.
Fun Facts About the Windmill
- In 2001, the top part of the windmill and its sails were taken off. They were restored and repainted to look new again.
- The windmill is so important to the area that it's used as the symbol for Waltham's Infant and Junior Schools.
- In 2013, the windmill got another big restoration. It cost about £30,000 to make sure it stays in great shape!
