Cromer Windmill, near Ardeley
Cromer Windmill – Hertfordshire’s sole surviving windmill and a
grade II* listed building dates from 1681, as determined by a
dendrochronological survey conducted in 1998. It stands on an artificial mound
just outside Cromer, near Ardeley, in which parish a windmill has stood for
nearly 800 years.
|
 |
 |
|
Cromer Windmill from the front |
Cromer Windmill from the rear |
Although blown over around 1860, Cromer Windmill was re-built and
used until the 1920’s when milling by wind became uneconomic and the mill fell
into disrepair. Apart from some repairs conducted in 1938 and sails having
already been removed for safety, nothing further was done to the mill until an
appeal in 1964 from concerned local people to save the windmill.
Restoration of Cromer Windmill and its internal machinery has taken more than 30
years to complete. Many organisations, including much support from local people,
assisted with raising funds and restoration work.
Local support
The maintenance of the mill is attended to by a small group of local enthusiasts
including Honorary Mill Curators, Simon Bennett and Robin Webb, the former having been at the forefront
of the mill’s survival. Presentation of the mill to the public is made by a
group of volunteer Guides. Volunteers in any capacity are always welcome. For more information about Cromer Windmill call The Hertfordshire
Building Preservation Trust on 01992 504331 or email
enquiries@hertfordshirebpt.org
Alternatively if you would like to speak to Honorary Mill Curators, call Robin Webb
on 01763 271305 or Simon Bennett on 01438 861662.
Volunteer guides from Cromer Windmill photographed at
The House Mill, Bromley-by-Bow during their annual outing in 2009.
Cromer Windmill 2000. Floodlit at night for the
new millennium |
