One of the UK's last working windmills springs back to life after funding boost
This article originally appeared on Culture24.
The sails turn once again as Hampshire's oldest working windmill gets a new lease of life
Hampshire's last working windmill opens to the public© Hampshire Cultural TrustOne of the UK’s few remaining working windmills, the Grade II listed, five-storey tower mill was built 200 years ago by Georgian businesswoman, Phoebe Langtry.
It was restored in the 1980s after sitting unused for almost a century, but rot was discovered in the windshaft in 2012, which meant the mill had to stop working.
A combined effort from local councils (Hampshire County, Eastleigh Borough and Bursledon Parish) and Hampshire Buildings Preservation Trust (HBPT) secured a £94,000 Heritage Lottery Fund grant to fund the replacement of the windshaft, as well as the updating of information and facilities on site.
A further £47,000 from local councils was also secured to recruit and train more volunteers to help run the windmill and the visitor services, and to develop new opportunities for schools, families and the local community.
After closing to the public in August 2014 while the essential works took place, after just three months it has now reopened to visitors.
Janet Owen, Executive Officer of Hampshire Cultural Trust, which operates and funds the windmill, said the county was “incredibly lucky” to have one of the few remaining working windmills in the country "right on its doorstep".
“Bursledon Windmill is a fantastic place to visit and we are delighted that visitors from all over the country will be able to continue to enjoy the site long into the future,” she added.
As well as the windmill itself, the site includes a visitor centre in the 16th century Chineham Barn, the 18th century Hiltingbury Granary, a pond, woodland walk and lawned area with a clay outdoor oven constructed by windmill volunteers.
For more information visit www3.hants.gov.uk/windmill.htm
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