Webster's Mill, Framsden facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Webster’s Mill, Framsden |
|
|---|---|
Framsden Mill in 2006
|
|
| Origin | |
| Grid reference | TM 1917 5976 |
| Coordinates | 52°11′33″N 1°12′19″E / 52.1924°N 1.2053°E |
| Year built | 1760 |
| Information | |
| Purpose | Corn mill |
| Type | Post mill |
| Roundhouse storeys | Two storey roundhouse |
| No. of sails | Four |
| Type of sails | Patent sails |
| Winding | Fantail |
| No. of pairs of millstones | Two pairs |
| Size of millstones | 4 feet 6 inches (1.37 m) and 4 feet (1.22 m) |
The Framsden Windmill is a special type of windmill called a post mill. It is located in Framsden, Suffolk, England. This mill is a Grade II* listed building, which means it's very important and protected. When it was still working, people often called it Webster's Mill.
A post mill is one of the oldest types of windmills. Its whole body, which holds all the machinery, can turn on a large central post. This allows the miller to point the sails into the wind, no matter which way it's blowing.
Contents
History of the Mill
The Framsden Windmill was built way back in 1760 for a person named John Flick. It was used to grind corn into flour.
Changes Over Time
In 1836, John Smith, who made bricks, bought the mill. He decided to make some big changes! He had the mill made taller by about 18 feet (5.49 m). This was done by special builders called millwrights. They also added new parts to make the mill more modern.
Later, in 1879, Edmund Webster became the owner. His son, Edmund Samuel Webster, continued to run the mill until around 1936. After that, the mill stopped working.
Saving the Mill
Many years later, in June 1966, a group of volunteers decided to save the old mill. They started working hard to fix it up and bring it back to life. In 1969, they even put two new sails on the windmill!
Restoring the Windmill
Bringing Framsden Windmill back to life was a big job! The restoration work began in June 1966.
Early Repairs
Before the work started, a part of the mill's structure had broken, and half of a sail had fallen off. The volunteers removed the broken parts and made sure the roof wouldn't leak. They also made the left side of the mill stronger.
In 1967, they found that the main post, which holds the entire mill up, was badly split. They fixed it by adding strong iron bars and steel hoops. The mill was also leaning to one side, so they carefully straightened it. A main beam inside the mill was broken, so they reinforced it with a heavy metal bar.
Sails and Gears
In 1968, the two remaining sails were taken down for repairs. The main beam that held the sails was also strengthened. The next year, in 1969, the large wheel that helps turn the millstones, called the Brake Wheel, was fixed. New parts made of elm wood were added. The repaired sails were put back on the mill in March and July.
The part that helps the sails turn, called the striking gear, was also fixed. On February 7, 1970, the mill's sails turned in the wind again! A lightning conductor was added to protect the mill from lightning. The Brake Wheel also got new teeth, or "cogs," made of hornbeam wood.
Grinding Again
In 1971, the volunteers worked on getting one set of millstones ready to grind grain. They also repaired the fantail carriage, which helps the mill turn to face the wind.
Finally, in May 1972, the Framsden Windmill ground wheat for the first time since it was saved! This was a huge success for all the volunteers who worked so hard.
How the Mill Works
Framsden Windmill was first built as an "open trestle" post mill. This means its base was open, and it had simple "Common sails." It was turned to face the wind using a long pole called a tailpole. Inside, it had two pairs of millstones to grind corn.
Modern Upgrades
In 1836, a roundhouse was built around the base of the mill. This helped protect the machinery and provided storage. A "fantail" was also added. A fantail is a small windmill at the back that automatically turns the main mill to face the wind.
At the same time, the old wooden shaft that held the sails was replaced with a stronger cast iron one. The mill also got "Patent sails," which are more advanced and can adjust themselves to the wind. The Brake Wheel was also updated.
Inside the Mill
Today, the mill has two pairs of French Burr millstones. These are special stones used for grinding. The left pair is 4 feet (1.22 m) wide, and the right pair is 4 feet 6 inches (1.37 m) wide. The mill has a unique design where the main shaft is slightly off-center. The millstones turn much faster than the sails, at a ratio of 7.8 to 1.
The back of the mill was made longer to fit a "flour dresser," which is a machine that sifts and sorts the flour after it's ground. The Patent sails are designed to catch the wind efficiently.
Size and Materials
The main frame of the mill was built using strong oak wood. When it was modernized, some parts like the Sprattle Beam and Tail beam were made from pitch pine.
Framsden Windmill is very tall, standing about 48 feet (14.63 m) to its roof. This makes it the second tallest post mill in Suffolk! Its sails are 7 feet 6 inches (2.29 m) wide and have a total span of 64 feet (19.51 m).
Millers Who Worked Here
Over the years, many millers worked at Framsden Windmill, grinding corn for the local community. Here are some of them:
- John Flick (from 1760)
- John Smith (1836–1843)
- William Bond (1843–1872)
- Joseph Rivers (1872–1879)
- Edmund Webster (from 1879)
- Edmund Samuel Webster (until 1936)
