Windmill, Bocking (EHER 6231)

Post mill with brick roundhouse. The mill was moved to this location in 1830 when the roundhouse was built. Restored in 1964.

Monument description derived from merging EHER 6231 and 28005. Original HER entry merged with NRHE data import: Windmill (Disused) (NAT). <1> A fine post mill with sails, dating from about 1680. It was moved to its present site in 1830 when the brick 2 storeyed roundhouse base was erected. It is weatherboarded, with a tail pole and a sack hoist. <2> This fine post mill originally stood in Windmill Croft about 100 yds further down the hill than its present site. When moved in 1830 the two storey roundhouse was built, and the mill probably largely rebuilt. Last worked in 1912 by miller Henry Hawkins. It fell into disrepair and was restored in 1929. It again became neglected until 1964 when, by public subscription, it was again restored. A small museum was established in the roundhouse, but owing to the need to strengthen the structure it was not possible to put the mill into working order. <3> The first reference to a windmill in Bocking dates to 1405. The present mill was first recorded in 1680 and was originally about 400yds lower down Church Street. It was sold in 1829 and moved to the present site in 1830, the 2-storied round house being added then. Apparently there are documents relating to this sale in the County Record Office. The mill was handed over to Bocking Parish Council in 1929 after restoration. In 1962 the mill was renovated again and in 1964 it was opened to the public as a museum <4> - <9> Illustration on back of SMR sheet. <10> <11> A weatherboarded mill, with sails, tail poles and sack hoist and a brick round house. Dates from c1680. Moved to its present site in 1830 when the round house was added. Site Assessment = "It is the first post mill in the country to be taken over by a local authority as an historical monument". <12> 18th century in date. <14> Photo of mill in record. <15> <16> Included in the Booker Industrial Survey of Essex. <17> <18> Post mill. Preserved. Stands on the south side of Bocking Church by Millers Close, to which site it was brought in 1830 from a point approximately 170 yards to the west. <19> <20> Bocking Windmill. Scheduled No 87. <21> "Post mill in good condition" in 1954. <22> <23> June 1973. Field visit. Recorded by NRIM. <24> March 1975. Field visit. A post mill as described above, in excellent state of preservation. See photograph. <25> See also: <26> - <36>