|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
HomeContact UsMill OperationThe RestorationCar DaysLocal Walks - 2003Photo GalleryNews
|
The MillWilton Windmill stands high above the small village of Wilton, near Marlborough in Wiltshire, on a site that provides magnificent views of the surrounding hills. The mill is the only working windmill in Wessex and was originally built in 1821 after the new Kennet and Avon canal had been built. This canal was built over and through the site of some local watermills and the pumps providing the water for the canal also lowered the river levels so that the remaining watermills were no long viable. The mill was in operation for 100 years, however with the introduction of new steam roller mills and fast production of cheap bread it became unwanted and was abandoned. It then fell into disrepair. However the mill was finally restored to its former glory in 1976, by a team of dedicated volunteers. It is managed and operated by the Wilton Windmill Society who use the mill and provide guided tours, whilst the mill is still owned by Wiltshire Council. The mill was built as a traditional tower mill with a fantail which turns the Cap, to ensure that the sails always point into the wind. The mill has four sails in total, two Patent, which can be quickly activated and two common canvas sails, which have to be set before the mill starts to turn. The mill is fully operational, and produces small quantities of stone ground whole meal flour for sale as a souvenir of your visit. During opening hours, guided tours are offered, as well as access to the Windmill Ground floor Information centre. The mill is open on Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays between 2 and 5pm, Easter until the end of September. There are also other days it is open for special events. We also accommodate parties by special arrangement, providing a volunteer is available to take you round. Please contact us to arrange your visit. |
|
WILTON WINDMILL
VICTORIAN OPEN DAY
Sunday 10TH MAY 2009
FROM 1pm TO 4pm MEET HISTORIAN & ARCHAEOLOGIST ALEX LANGLANDS FROM THE TV SERIES ‘THE VICTORIAN FARM’ LISTEN TO THE MILLER’S STORIES ABOUT LIFE IN VICTORIAN TIMES WATCH & JOIN IN WITH THE VICTORIAN WASHERWOMAN & THE TEACHER AS THEY GO ABOUT THEIR WORK GET DRESSED UP - PRIZES FOR THE BEST DRESSED VICTORIANS TRADITIONAL CRAFTS ~ GAMES ~ LONGBOW SHOOTING ~ STANDS ~ STALLS ~ MAKE BREAD FROM THE MILL’S OWN FLOUR BARBECUE & REFRESHMENTS TICKETS IN ADVANCE WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM FRIDAY 24TH APRIL 2009 FROM THE FOLLOWING OUTLETS: GREAT BEDWYN POST OFFICE THE SWAN INN, WILTON MARR GREEN FARM SHOP, BURBAGE Tickets Adults £4 in advance or £5 on the gate. All accompanied Children Free! Luck program!
Where to find usWilton Windmill is located close to the Village of Wilton, off the A338
between Hungerford and Burbage in Wiltshire. It can also be reached by rail.
Trains run from Paddington to Bedwyn station, from where you can walk or cycle
the 3.5km to the mill. There are some hills! You can also walk from Great
Bedwyn along the towpath then left at Crofton Crossing up the Roman Road. (See
local walks page)
|
