19th century windmill at Mill Row (EHER 1411)

A red brick tower mill built in 1804 for Mr John Webb, on the site of a mill of 1377. It is now fully restored, with sails and machinery and is one of the features of the town.

Original HER entry merged with NRHE data import: Red brick tower mill built in 1804 by J. Webb, on site of medieval post mill (see EHER 1410). Programme of restoration work began in 1973. <1> - <3> Now fully restored, with sails and machinery. In commanding position south-west of the church, is one of the features of the town. <4> Forms a visual climax in the town. <5> Booker card ref. <6> Photo ref. <7> June 1970. Building survey. One of the most attractive settings of any Essex windmill. For many years the mill has been derelict with the brickwork cracking and the sails reduced to the stocks. The restoration work now under way has resulted entirely from the enthusiasm of local inhabitants who suggested, first in 1963 and again in 1970, that the mill should be renovated and took steps to raise the money. The Department of the Environment contributed £900 and Essex County Council £500. The machinery in the mill is perhaps nothing remarkable but the mill has a tremendous contribution to make to both landscape and townscape. Above the door is inscribed J.W.1804, this being believed to stand for John Webb. Present Use: Under restoration 1971. Condition: Not good but under repair. July 1973. Survey. Built 1804 by John Webb using local bricks, on the site of a mill of 1377. Walls 4 feet thick at the base, 18" at bin floor level. By 1888 it had deteriorated so that repairs costing £200 were effected. When offered for sale in 1907 it was described as "4 floors, two double and two single patent sails driving 3 pairs of French stones" photographs of 1890 show that there were 4 double patent sails, and the first floor staging was still in use. An appeal was launched to restore the mill in 1971, and it had been made safe by 1978. Recorded by NRIM. Photographed. <8> 2011. Survey. John Webb’s Mill was built in 1804 when the London population explosion created a market for milled products. Webb, a farmer, landowner and innkeeper, exploited this opportunity, building a sturdily proportioned mill using bricks from his own brickworks near the mill. Business flourished under John Webb and later his son (also John) until it became uneconomic towards the end of the 19th century. By 1904 the mill was disused. Much restoration work has taken place over the last 20 years in 1997 with the restoration of one set of stones completed, the mill ground flour for the first time in 92 years. The final stage of restoration has been the reinstatement of the gallery from which the sails are adjusted. During 2003 and 2004 extensive repairs were carried out to the kerb, necessitating the removal of the cap and sail assembly. One of the sails was damaged during 2010 and is awaiting reinstatement. <9> See also: <10> <11>