Denver Windmill
Sightseeing attraction | Downham Market | England | United Kingdom
The Denver Windmill is a historic tower windmill located in the village of Denver, near Downham Market in Norfolk, England. Built in 1835, it replaced a previous post mill which was marked on a map from 1824. The mill was constructed for John Porter, whose initials and the year of construction are engraved on a stone on the tower.
The mill is six stories tall and has a gallery on the third level. The tower stands at a height of approximately 18 meters to the curb. The distinctive curved cap with a surrounding gallery is automatically turned into the wind by a wind direction wheel. Originally, the mill had four double sails which powered three grindstones. In addition to wind power, a 12 horsepower steam engine was installed in 1863 to keep operations running in calm weather. This was later replaced by a diesel engine.
Throughout its history, the Denver Windmill changed owners multiple times and was affected by various events. In 1908, a storm heavily damaged the mill, and in 1939, a lightning strike hit one of the sails, which was repaired. In 1941, damage to the curb led to the suspension of wind operations. Grinding continued with a diesel engine until 1969, when the owner at the time, Thomas Harris, passed away. The mill then passed to his sister, who offered it to the Norfolk County Council. Over the following decades, the mill underwent several restorations to ensure its preservation.
In 1995, the Norfolk Historic Buildings Trust acquired the mill and carried out extensive restoration work costing over a million pounds. This included a complete refurbishment of the mill and the establishment of new visitor facilities. The restored mill was opened to the public in 2000. In 2008, the Abel family took over the operation with the goal of sustainably managing the mill and resuming the production of high-quality flour. In 2011, an accident occurred where one of the sails broke, but no one was injured. The mill reopened under new management in 2013, and funds continue to be raised for the repair and reinstatement of the sails.
The Denver Windmill is a significant example of 19th-century industrial architecture and a testament to regional milling history. It provides insights into traditional flour production and technological developments of the time. Today, it serves as a cultural heritage and educational site, informing visitors about the history and function of windmills.
