Historic Windmill To Be Reunited With Sails

The historic ‘post mill’ in Great Gransden is to have its sails re-attached as part of ongoing restoration work.

Now, thanks to further extensive restoration work, two wooden sails and the frames for two canvas sails will be lifted into position on Wednesday 19 April.
 
The 17th century windmill is owned by Cambridgeshire County Council and is the fifth oldest post mill in the country. The mill is a scheduled monument, one of 15 monuments owned by the County Council.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.”
 
Photos provided by Martin Davies