Working in partnership, The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Historic England have given grant funding of more than £1.6 million (£1.3 million from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and £300,000 from Historic England) for the restoration of Thaxted Windmill in Essex.
The project will repair and restore the building and its millwrighting machinery, improve visitor access, and enable volunteer involvement and community engagement.
Mark Rickards, Thaxted Windmill Trust, said: “The funding from both Historic England and The National Lottery Heritage Fund will now enable the Trust to realise their plans to secure the future of this much-loved landmark of Thaxted. The Trustees are very grateful for this opportunity to restore the building and ensure that it remains a viable asset for all. We look forward to working further within the local community and beyond during the Delivery Phase of the project.”
Restoring Thaxted’s much-loved Windmill
Repairs to the brick tower will halt the decaying process and protect the building from water leaks. Windows, doors and wood panelling will be repaired.
The Windmill mechanism will be restored, including the sails, winding gear and internal milling machinery, enabling the historic building to be brought to life in working order.
Developing heritage skills
Open days and the training of apprentices will raise awareness of increasingly rare traditional heritage building and millwrighting skills, and the opportunities for developing careers in this field.
At the heart of the community
Sensory experiences will be created, and the Windmill landscape will be managed for biodiversity. Innovative interactives and educational materials will bring to life the stories of the mill owners, workers and families. A wide programme of activities will enable the community to get involved and find out more.
The last remaining Thaxted Windmill
The Grade II* listed red brick tower Windmill was built in 1804 for Mr John Webb, a local businessman and farmer. In addition to owning both Borough and Park Farms and numerous other properties, Mr Webb was the owner of the town’s brick and tile works. The Windmill was built from local red brick.
The largest and most advanced of the Thaxted mills, it was in operation for 100 years and is the only remaining windmill in the area.
Saving over 200 years of history
John Webb’s Windmill was added to Historic England’s Heritage at Risk register in 2019. The building is suffering from extensive internal damp caused by eroded brickwork and open joints, which is causing widespread mould on internal walls.
Robyn Llewellyn, Director, England, Midlands & East at The National Lottery Heritage Fund said: “We want heritage sites like Thaxted’s last remaining windmill to be valued and sustained for everyone, now and in the future. It’s thanks to National Lottery players that we can help save Thaxted Windmill, with this funding enabling conservation work that will help more people get up close to this slice of Essex history. We look forward to seeing visitors and locals get involved and enjoy the mill when it reopens.”
If you would like to know more about the project and discover opportunities to help during its restoration, please email johnwebbswindmill@gmail.com or visit https://www.johnwebbswindmillthaxted.com
Thaxted Windmill Image copyright Trustees of Thaxted Windmill
