Site of 14th century windmill, 'Bradwell Windmill', Mill End (EHER 12100)

A windmill is known to have existed at this location in the 14th century. A map of 1678 also places a mill symbol at this site, and the Chapman and Andre map of 1777 also records a mill. It may have been destroyed in 1791 after a period of disuse and replaced in 1792 by a timber smock mill. Later, a reference from 1810 describes a tower mill having been recently erected. This was sold in 1898 and soon after burnt down in around 1900. It may have been replaced by a smock mill. Certainly, there is a long history of mills at this location. Summary from record 12101: Site of windmill, shown on map of 1777, burnt down about 1900.

The site of a windmill, shown on the Chapman and Andre map of 1777, but which burnt down in about 1900. <1> <2> A mill had stood on this site for many centuries. There are documents about a mill and millers in the Essex Record Office. It is the possible site of a medieval windmill mound known to have existed in the 14th century. One photograph known to be in existence. KJ Bruce of Bradwell gives the NGR as TL 994 057. <3> <4> There was a windmill in the manor of Bradwell-on-Sea in 1377, described as in bad condition and of no value. There is later reference to a miller in 1630 and a map of 1678 places a mill symbol at the known site. This is later seen on the Chapman and Andre map of 1777. In 1791 a windmill was destroyed that was said to have been out of use some time prior to this and in need of repair. In 1792 a brick and timber smock mill was erected on the site. In 1810 a tower mill is recorded as having recently been erected, 'more than 7 miles from any other mill and conveniently placed for shipping'. It was said to be located one mile from the wharf and occasionally used steam power. The last miller is recorded in 1898 as it was sold soon after and burnt down in around 1900. <5> Smock mill, following probably a series of post mills at the site. Stood a few yards north of the existing Mill House. <5> See also <6>.