Perched gracefully on the Kent landscape, West Kingsdown Windmill stands as a testament to a bygone era. West Kingsdown Windmill is more than just a structure. It is a Grade II listed smock mill. Its story is one of relocation, restoration, and resilience.
Let’s journey back to the early nineteenth century. West Kingsdown Windmill was first built at Chimham’s Farm, Farningham. It proudly stood there. Maps from 1819 to 1840 marked its presence. Imagine the scene. Farmers relied on its services.
But the destiny of West Kingsdown Windmill had other plans. In 1880, it was carefully dismantled. The mill was then moved to West Kingsdown. Here, it joined a post mill.
The move to West Kingsdown marked a new chapter. The two mills stood side by side. Both served the community. However, tragedy struck in May 1909. A fire engulfed the post mill. A steamroller had ignited nearby straw. The flames spread quickly and consumed the post mill. West Kingsdown Windmill remained standing alone.
West Kingsdown Windmill continued to work by wind power until 1928. It was a reliable source of corn milling. Unfortunately, the elements took their toll. A sail was damaged on Christmas Day in 1929. Then, the fantail blew off in November 1930.
The years passed. West Kingsdown Windmill slowly deteriorated. But hope was not lost. In 1960, Thompson & Son, Millwrights of Alford, Lincolnshire, undertook an external restoration. The cost was £4,400. This restoration saved the mill from complete ruin.
More recently, in 2009, further repairs were made. The weatherboards were repaired. The mill was repainted. As of November 2010, West Kingsdown Windmill awaited new sails.
West Kingsdown Windmill has a four-storey structure. It is a smock mill. The mill sits on a single-storey brick base. Originally, there was a stage at first-floor level. It has two double Patent sails and two Common sails. These are carried on a cast-iron windshaft. A fantail winds the mill. The original fantail had seven blades. But it was replaced with a six-bladed one during the 1960 restoration. A seven-bladed fantail has since been fitted again.
Inside West Kingsdown Windmill, most of the machinery remains. However, the final drive to the millstones is missing.
Several millers operated West Kingsdown Windmill over the years. In Farningham, there were Collyer, William Kipping, W Moore, David Norton, and Tanner Norton. In West Kingsdown, Tanner Norton, Frank Norton, Cork, and Hankin continued the milling tradition.
Today, West Kingsdown Windmill stands as a proud reminder of our industrial past. Although it is not currently working, it retains its principal machinery. It also has three pairs of millstones. Kent County Council has owned and maintained the windmill since 1958.
West Kingsdown Windmill is a testament to human ingenuity and perseverance. It has survived fire, neglect, and the passage of time. Its story continues to captivate visitors. It shows us the importance of preserving our heritage. Take a moment to appreciate West Kingsdown Windmill. Think of the millers who worked here. Imagine the sails turning in the wind. West Kingsdown Windmill is a symbol of our past.