Quainton Windmill

Come and visit the Quainton Windmill – a piece of history!

 

The building of the windmill started in 1830 to the order of Mr. James Anstiss. The bricks for the 65 foot tower were burnt in a kiln set up near the mill, the clay being dug from a depression about 100 yards to the north east. Two of the bricks are inscribed 'Ja Hunt 1830' and 'G&B 1830'. After a delay (the half-completed tower was thatched for the winter) machinery for 3 pairs of stones was installed by William Cooper of Aylesbury incorporating the latest ideas in millwrighting. The millers were James and Thomas Anstiss, Joseph Rose, Charles Burton and William Smith who moved his family here from Towersey, near Thame.

 

Early in the mill's life the first floor was raised and reorganised to allow a steam engine to be installed on the massive bed-stone on the ground floor, with its boiler in the open outside the north door. This engine enabled the mill to work regardless of the wind and was a common practice at the time. The drive was taken up the mill to engage the great spur wheel.

 

The mill only operated for about 50 years, and ceased working before 1891 since in the Census of that year both James and Thomas Anstiss described themselves as retired millers. The mill was left to become derelict. The engine and boiler were sold for scrap in 1914. At the same time one pair of stones was sold.

 

Our aim is to ensure the long term survival and preservation of the mill and its stories.

 

Group visits

Group Visits, School Groups and Education Visits outside normal open hours are welcome.

 

For more information please see the Quainton Windmill website or Facebook page.