Cromer Windmill
Sightseeing attraction | Cromer | England | United Kingdom
The "Cromer Windmill" in Cromer, England, is a historic landmark and the only surviving windmill in Hertfordshire. Protected as a Grade II* listed building, this post mill is located near the village of Ardeley, just outside Cromer, and sits on an artificial hill that has marked the site for windmills for almost 800 years. Built in 1681 – a date confirmed by dendrochronological analysis in 1998 – the mill is a fascinating example of traditional engineering and a testament to the agricultural history of the region.
The history of the windmill dates back long before the current structure. The earliest documented mention of a mill in the parish of Ardeley dates back to 1222, indicating that the site has been used for centuries. In 1374, a mill was described as "in ruins," and another mention is found in 1576 when it was sold to William Crane, whose family owned it for about 200 years. The current mill was constructed at the end of the 17th century, possibly after a predecessor was destroyed by storms. In around 1860, it was blown over by a severe gust of wind and lay as a "shattered mass of wood over the road," but was subsequently rebuilt and modernized. It remained in operation until the 1920s, when milling with wind became economically unviable and the mill fell into disrepair. The sails were removed in 1929 for safety reasons, and it was not until the 1960s that a local initiative saved the mill from being demolished.
Architecturally, the Cromer Windmill is a typical East Anglian post mill. Its large wooden body, known as the "buck," rests on a massive oak post over 5.7 meters high that bears the weight of the entire mill. This post is supported by a wooden framework housed in an octagonal brick roundhouse. The mill features four patent sails that have a unique design: single-piece shutters extend across the full width of both the leading and driving sides of the sails, giving them a distinctive appearance. An eight-bladed fantail mounted on a ladder ensures that the mill automatically turns into the wind – a modernization added after the reconstruction in the 19th century. The interior of the mill spans multiple floors connected by steep stairs and ladders, and contains the historic milling machinery that once processed grain into flour.
The rescue and restoration of the Cromer Windmill is a story of community spirit and dedication. In the 1960s, when the mill was deteriorating and faced demolition, concerned locals launched a campaign to save it. The newly formed Hertfordshire Building Preservation Trust took on the project as one of its first endeavors and carried out the restoration in four phases, completed between 1967 and 1998. Financial support came from English Heritage and the Heritage Lottery Fund, among others, enabling the mill to be returned to its final functional state. Although milling is no longer possible due to its proximity to the road, the sails turn in sufficient wind, and the machinery can be partially operated, giving visitors a glimpse into its historical function.
The surroundings of the Cromer Windmill enhance its special character. It sits on an artificial hill surrounded by open fields and a tranquil landscape, typical of the gentle hills of Hertfordshire. The mill is a popular destination for families and history enthusiasts who take the opportunity to explore the interiors and learn more about the workings of windmills. Volunteers guide visitors through the mill, sharing their knowledge of local history and the technology that once shaped the lives of the surrounding farmers. Supplementary information materials and a video provide additional context, while interactive elements such as searching for hidden mice inside particularly delight children.
The Cromer Windmill is more than just a relic of the past – it is a living monument that showcases the importance of wind power in agriculture and the perseverance of the community that preserved it. It stands as the last of its kind in Hertfordshire, after other mills like Great Hormead or Little Hadham were lost, reminding us of a time when such structures formed the backbone of rural economy. For visitors, it offers a rare opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of the 17th and 18th centuries and experience the engineering marvels of bygone eras up close.
In summary, the "Cromer Windmill" is a landmark that combines history, technology, and nature in a fascinating way. It tells of centuries of use, destruction and rebuilding, and of the passion of the people who preserved it from oblivion. For anyone visiting the region, it is a rewarding destination that not only sheds light on Hertfordshire's past, but also provides a peaceful spot in the midst of the countryside to pause and enjoy the beauty of a traditional craft.
