Watch Bourn Windmill – the UK’s oldest – moving once more and see the restoration of Great Gransden post mill
Two historic Cambridgeshire windmills have been restored to their former glory this month.
Firstly Bourn Windmill, which is the UK’s oldest, has reopened after three years following “significant and expensive” work to prevent a possible collapse.
Bourn Windmill was closed in early 2020 when extensive rot was discovered in the beams that support the mill. It was placed on the Heritage at Risk list.
And now the ‘post mill’ in Great Gransden has had ts sails re-attached as part of ongoing restoration work.
Two wooden sails and the frames for two canvas sails were lifted into position on Wednesday, April 19. The 17th-century windmill is a scheduled monument owned by Cambridgeshire County Council and is the fifth oldest post mill in the country.
Post mills are one of the earliest types of windmill and are based around a central pole which meant they could be turned to catch the breeze.
Cllr Nick Gay, Vice-Chair of Cambridgeshire County Council’s Environment and Green Investment Committee, said: “It’s wonderful to see this historic windmill get the attention and restoration it so richly deserves. The post mill is a local landmark and we can’t wait to see it returned to its former glory.
“Windmills are often revered for their sails, and seeing the windmill get its sails back will be a momentous occasion. I’m delighted for the local community who have worked so hard and have such pride in the mill, and join with them in their excitement to see it restored.”
The restoration has involved a significant community effort to get to this stage, with volunteers helping to paint, build and transport materials throughout the works. Local businesses have also donated time, resources and materials to the project.
The sails were removed in 2015 due to safety concerns. Works have involved extensive repairs to the box structure of the mill, known as the “buck”, and included the reinstallation of a second pair of mill stones. Further works to the mill structure are needed to bring the windmill back into full working condition.
The restoration works were made possible due to successful funding bids by Cambridgeshire County Council’s Natural and Historic Environment Team for over £130,000 from Historic England and the FCC Community Action Fund.
Meanwhile the work at Bourn windmill was supported by a number of funders including the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic England, The Pilgrim Trust and SPAB Mills. Graham Bruce, joint chair of Bourn Windmill Volunteers, said: “It is great to have the mill fully restored, especially as it has now been confirmed as the oldest windmill in the country. I, along with the rest of the team, are looking forward to welcoming visitors back to the mill on the open days this year.”
Volunteers and supporters attended the official reopening of the mill on Wednesday, April 19. Visitor open days at Bourn Windmill will resume on National Mills Weekend on Saturday and Sunday, May 13-14.
