Tower House (EHER 37772)

A tower mill for the milling of cereals. Built in 1822, the mill ceased work about 1895. It was used as an observation post during World War II. The building has now been converted into a house following development during the 1950s or 1960s.

Original HER entry merged with NRHE data import: Tower Windmill (NAT). <1> Tower Mill, Great Dunmow was a five-floored brick tower mill built in 1822 and in use until the 1890s. Now converted into a private residence along with the old mill house. <2> Windmill used as an observation post. No traces survive as building was developed as a house in the 1950s or 60s. Located at Great Dunmow Windmill, Churchend, on east side of Great Dunmow. <3> <4> June 1970. Field visit. The brick tower was built in 1822 for John Fuller by William Redington. After 1894 the windmill probably did little work, and by 1907 had been converted into a part residence or studio. A Latin inscription was placed over the exterior: THELEMA QUI NON LABORAT NON MANDUCET (he who does not work, shall not eat). The brick tower was fitted with a new aluminium cap in 1974, one of four windmills to be recapped in the early 1970s. Former tower windmill known, with surrounding property, as Tower House. Basically a conventional brick tower converted to domestic purposes, and without sales or cap. There are three floors. The date over the door is 1822 which enables the structure to be positively identified with the work of the millwright Wm. Redington. The tower was converted to its present use at least as early as 1931at which date it had a domed cap. No remaining machinery. Survey and estimate, 1822, by Wm. Redington for completing a tower windmill (D/DU 293/136-141) the specification (involving cast iron cogs and bevel pinions, cast rings and wheels for the curb, and cast iron bridging boxes to stones and spindles) suggests building a new tower from old material, but if there was an earlier mill on the site it was not there in 1777. Present Use: Part of private residence. Condition: Mortar reputed to be weak. ERO SOURCES: D/DU 625 1673-20C deeds. North Mill from 1811 onwards; incl. 1849 and elevation in marginal plan 1879. <5> October 1973. Survey. Recorded by NRIM. Photographed. <6> See also: <7> - <9>