Windmills in Jersey facts for kids

Jersey, a beautiful island, has been home to many windmills over the years. These tall structures were mostly used to grind corn, helping people make flour for bread. About half of the windmills built in Jersey can still be seen today, though many have changed their purpose.

What is a Windmill?

A windmill is a machine that uses the power of the wind to turn large blades or sails. These blades then power machinery inside, like grinding stones, to do work. In Jersey, most windmills were tower mills, which means they had a tall, round stone or brick tower.

Moulin de Grouville: A Mill with a History

The Moulin de Grouville, also known as Moulin de Beauvoir, is a tower mill built in the early 1800s. It has five floors! During World War Two, the Germans used this mill as a lookout tower for their artillery. Today, it has been turned into a house and is officially recognized as a historic building in Jersey.

St Ouen's Windmill: A Wartime Lookout

St Ouen's Windmill, or Moulin de la Campagne, is another tower mill located in Grantez, Saint Ouen. Just like the Moulin de Grouville, this windmill was also used by the Germans during World War Two as an observation post. It is also listed on the Jersey Register of Historic Buildings, meaning it's an important part of the island's history.

St Peter's Windmill: From Grinding to Grub

St Peter's Windmill was already standing by 1848. Old photos show it was a five-storey tower mill with a round top. It had four large sails that would turn in the wind and a special tail (called a fantail) that helped the mill face the wind. For many years, the mill was empty and falling apart. In the 1950s, it was changed into a pub, and now it's a shop and a restaurant! The sails you see on it today are not exactly like the original ones.

Moulin de Rozel: A Mill Transformed

The Moulin de Rozel is a tower mill that was built way back in 1799. The mill stopped working in 1916. During World War Two, it was also converted into an artillery observation post, just like some of the other mills on the island. This mill is also listed on the Jersey Register of Historic Buildings.

Other Historic Windmills

While some windmills have been changed or are no longer standing, their names remind us of Jersey's past. The Bel Royal windmill was painted in 1884, but it was later taken down to build houses. There was also a windmill at Elizabeth Castle, though its exact location and existence are debated by historians. Other windmills like St Jean Windmill and St Mary Windmill were known to be standing in 1848.

Images for kids

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  Windmill, Mont Mado, Saint John, published 1840

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  St. Ouen's Windmill

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  St Peter's Mill c1906

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  St Peter's Windmill

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  Moulin de Rozel

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  Moulin de Grouville