The WINDMILLS Home-page is designed to provide information on Windmills of all types,
but in particular the partially restored White Smock Mill
++ WILLESBOROUGH WINDMILL ++
near Ashford, Kent, and it's programme of special events held during the year.
INFORMATION
2006 Event Guide
Description & History
Features
Access and Admission
Contact
The windmill, a white smock mill built in 1869 onto a two storey red brick base with attached miller's cottage, is now a Grade II* listed building. It incorporated "patent" type shutters in the Sweeps instead of canvas and Sails, and produced enough power to turn four sets of over drift mill stones as well as the maize and oats crushing/cutting machines. This mill replaced a smaller smock mill (age unknown) which had been in operation previously on the same site and whose sweeps were reported coming very close to the ground. Information received recently states that the current windshaft and brake wheel were reclaimed from that old mill - a common practice amongst millwrights - this could mean that other items were also reused.
Three years later in 1872 a steam engine was added to allow the mill to keep working when the wind had dropped. At the turn of the 20th century, the very tall square chimney stack made the mill a very prominent feature on the local landscape .
However, due to economic reasons (mainly labour costs) the chimney was demolished in 1909 and the steam engine removed in 1911, although the boiler and boiler house still remain to this day. In 1912 a more reliable Cambell gas-oil engine was installed and this continued to provide auxillary power until replaced by an 25hp electric motor in 1938 when electricity came to Willesborough. New Peak stones installed in 1917 by millwright F.Pain of Chatham
Not enough of the old Cambell engine remained to effect a restoration, so a working Hornsby 14hp gas-oil (similar type) engine of 1906 vintage has now been installed in its place, and is linked to the auxillary drive to power the stones for flour production.
The Sails, or Sweeps as they are known in this part of Kent, finally stopped turning in the late 1930's (cheaper electric power) when the mill could no longer compete with the local roller flour mills. Using only the electric auxillary power the mill changed over to producing animal feed, grinding peas and beans, and crushing oats and maize. Some flour was produced using a smaller set of stones driven off a lay shaft. During the later years, flour and meal were delivered locally by horse and van then replaced by an old Morris van, both were easily recognised in the area as they were painted in the Miller's striking colours - yellow body, white canvas sides and red wheels.
This operation continued through the War years by Denne and Sons until in the 1950's when further Industrial mechanisation in commercial milling caused its closure, the mill building then being used for storage only and later as a home in 1969 until 1989. It was bought, in a very dilapidated state, and fully restored in 1991 to its former glory by Ashford Borough Council for the benefit of the citizens of Ashford and the public at large. Ashford Borough Council have been acknowledged for this restoration by winning the "Europa Nostra" Award, presented to highly significant restoration projects in Europe.
Return to Information
Willesborough Windmill, owned by Ashford Borough Council, is run by a Trust with an active 'Friends of Willesborough Windmill' organisation being responsible for the day to day running of the mill.
Come and spend an enjoyable day out at Willesborough Windmill, one of the largest smock mills in the South of England. Find out how a windmill works, how corn is ground and flour is made and what the miller's cottage and garden would have looked like at the turn of the 20th century.
We are expanding our Victorian theme our team of dedicated volunteers have finished redecorating the Miller's Kitchen and Parlour. This includes the passageway and front door leading out to the Victorian garden, come visit and experience that bygone age feel. Although we are currently without sweeps to power the stones, the engine is coupled to the auxillary power shaft and we can grind flour once again - the first time since the early 1930's.
Willesborough Windmill - Strong Wholewheat Stoneground Flour is now available in 1.5kg bags at a cost of £1.50p
In addition, look around the adjacent 19th century restored Kentish barn which houses a wheelwright's workshop, memorabilia from Ashford's old cinema and numerous articles representing local industrial heritage, including unique examples of Norman Cycles (a major local employer in the past) which were made in the town in the 1930/40's.
eMail or directly on 01233-733416
2006 Event Guide) when the Mill complex is open from 11am-5pm unless shown.
The mill is just a few minute's drive from junction 10 of the M20 and approximately five minutes drive from Ashford Town Centre. Visitors arriving by train at Ashford's International Station should take a short walk to Bank Street in the town centre. From there they should take the No.5 bus heading for the William Harvey Hospital/Tesco's and ask for the Church Road stop to access Hythe Road then cross over to Mill Lane.
" A VICTORIAN WEEKEND "
Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd APRIL 2pm - 5pm
'The year is 1869' - find out about life and how the Mill was built 137 years ago;
" SHIRE HORSES "
Sunday 2nd APRIL 2pm - 5pm
We plan to have Shire Horses on the field;
" NATIONAL MILLS WEEKEND "
Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th May 2pm - 5pm
SPAB's Annual Open Week-end for all Wind & Water Mills;
" DEAD HORSE MORRIS "
Saturday 6th MAY 2 - 5pm
Morris Dancing and a Mill Blessing by Dead Horse Morris
" NORMAN CYCLES DAY 2006 "
Sunday 7th MAY 10.30am - 5pm
Event being organised by The Norman Cycles Club,
Further info contact 01303-270881;
" TEDDY BEAR'S PICNIC "
Sunday 11th JUNE 11am - 5pm
Bring your favourite 'Teddy' to the party. Rides, Abseilling and Parachuting events;
Plus Children's Disco by Tony Read and Face Painting by Ray & Teresa.
" MUSIC AT THE MILL "
Saturday 17th June evening
Wining and Dining to Music in the Barn;
" GARDEN PARTY "
Sunday 30th JULY 2 - 5pm
Dress up for the Garden Party and enjoy Strawberries and cream, Tea and Cakes;
" END-of-SEASON CELEBRATION "
Sunday 1st October 11am - 5pm
A get together to mark the end of the season,
. " MUSIC HALL EVENING AT THE MILL "
Saturday 21st October evening
More - Wining and Dining to Music in the Barn;
Want a copy of EVENTS GUIDE 2006 click for an Acrobat .pdf file
For more information or ideas why don't you
eMail Tony !
Thanks for your visit!
Tony Staplehurst (tony@moulin.org.uk)
