Site of Moreton Mill (EHER 4098)

This is the site of a demolished windmill, which was a weather-boarded post mill. It was demolished in or just after 1964 when the unsuccessful fitting of a new pair of sails resulted in extensive damage to the mill.

Present on OS 6-inch map but now (1975) demolished. <1> <2> An 18th-19th century weather-boarded post mill on a brick round house. One of the earliest post mills erected in Essex and thought to date from 1694, according to inscription in Colchester Museum. The central post is dated 1715 and 1821. Ceased working in 1932. Two sails were removed in 1951. <3><4><5><6> Site Assessment = De-scheduled (confirmed 24-12-81). <1> Moreton Windmill is a weather-boarded post mill, turned by hand, the base is enclosed in a brick ‘round house’. It is said that the mill was originally from Bishops Stortford and was moved to Moreton in the early 18th century. It ceased working in about 1932. 24 May 2011. Interview. Interview with an elderly resident Jim Wheatley and a former employee of Gould’s who managed the windmill at the time of the collapse in 1964. Recalled the mill which they used until 1939 and site was noted, but no standing remains were observed. Mr Wheatley pointed out the only visible remnants which were two French Burr millstones stones set into the pavement and some wrought iron bolts some 2ft (0.6m). In length which were taken from the quarter bars at the time of the demolition in 1964. By 1964, the mill was in a dilapidated state. The initial damage occurred when the millwright attempted to fit a new pair of sails. After the first of the pair had been fitted the sail was turned into the St George Cross position to fit the second new sail at the bottom but the extra weight loading caused the first new sail to break off and fall to the ground. Soon after that the entire mill was demolished. Four wrought iron bolts were given by Mr Wheatley to the Mills Support Officer and will be displayed at one of the County’s mills. <1> NRHE data import: A windmill of unknown date.