Wilton Windmill facts for kids
The Wilton Windmill is a tall brick windmill. It has five floors. You can find it on a chalk hill. This hill is between the villages of Wilton and Great Bedwyn. These villages are in Wiltshire, England.
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Why Wilton Windmill Was Built
The Wilton Windmill was built in 1821. It was needed because of a new canal. The Kennet and Avon Canal was being built. This canal changed the River Bedwyn. The river used to power many water mills. But the canal meant these mills could not work anymore. So, a new windmill was needed to grind grain.
A Century of Work and Restoration
The windmill worked for about 100 years. It kept grinding flour into the 1920s. Then, it stopped being used. This was probably because bigger mills used steam power. They could make flour faster and cheaper.
In the 1960s, the windmill was recognized as important. It was added to a special list of historic buildings. This helped protect it. In 1971, Wiltshire County Council bought the mill. They then let the Wiltshire Historic Buildings Trust take care of it.
The Trust started to fix the windmill in 1972. They wanted it to work again. By the end of 1976, the windmill was making flour once more. This was a big achievement!
Who Manages the Windmill Today?
Today, Wiltshire Council owns the windmill. The Wilton Windmill Society manages it. This group started in 1976. All the people who help are volunteers. They give their time to keep the mill running.
In the 1980s, the mill needed money. The Society formed a cricket team. They called themselves the Wilton Millers' Cricket Team. They played games to raise funds. This team still exists today. They are a fun part of the mill's history.
The mill still makes flour. It uses wheat grown nearby. You can buy this flour right at the mill. It is also sold in local shops.
How the Windmill Sails Work
The Wilton Windmill has four large sails. Two of these sails are made of canvas. The other two are special "patent sails." These patent sails have 22 parts. These parts can be moved to catch the wind better.
The mill also has a "fantail." This is a small windmill at the back. The fantail helps the main cap turn. This means the big sails always face the wind. This way, the mill can always make the best use of the wind's power.
Where to Find Wilton Windmill
- Position: grid reference SU275616
- Nearby Towns: Hungerford, Marlborough, Newbury, Swindon
- Nearby Villages: Wilton, East Grafton, Great Bedwyn, Burbage, Shalbourne, Pewsey
- Nearby Places of Interest: Crofton Pumping Station, Kennet and Avon Canal, Wilton Water, Pewsey White Horse
Wilton Windmill in Media
Wilton Windmill has appeared on TV. It was in an episode of Victorian Farm Christmas. This show was on BBC Two in December 2009.
The windmill was also in a short film. The pop group The Style Council made the film Jerusalem. It was filmed in 1986. The band performed their song Heaven's Above at the windmill.
See also
