Portland Windmills

The Portland Windmills are two disused stone towers which were used as windmills from at least the early 17th century. They are located south of Easton village and the east of Weston village. The towers, which are relatively short mills with conical caps, stand approximately 135 metres apart.[1] They have been separate Grade II Listed monuments since September 1978,[2][3] and are the only historic windmill remains to survive in Dorset.[4]

Angel Mill (northern windmill)
South Mill (southern windmill)

History

Although their origin is unknown, Portland's windmills were first recorded in the Land Revenue Accounts of 1608. They were also featured on a 1626 map by William Simplon and the Hutchins map of 1710, where they were depicted as prominent landmarks. It is believed that the two windmills are two of the earliest of their type in the United Kingdom and were probably built by local craftsmen.[4] The mills, which were traditionally operated by the Pearce family, ceased use in the 1890s as mass-produced flour and bread became available through Portland's modern rail and road links.

During World War II, the south tower was used as a look-out post.[4] The same tower was renovated by ARC Ltd in 1991.[5] In 2000, some care was given to the windmills in attempt to preserve them,[6] while in recent years, attempts have been made to form a trust to preserve both windmills.[7]

gollark: You know what would be pretty cool? A live-updating cave view page, so you wouldn't need to refresh constantly.
gollark: Ah, the joys of the somewhat limited trade system.
gollark: You mean stuff actually happens between those?
gollark: They might arguably be worse, though, as all other rare collectors will go there.
gollark: Muskies appear to be losing their perceived rarity. I saw one sit in the desert. It took about ten-twenty seconds after the egg drop to go.

References
  1. Historic England. "Monument No. 868143". PastScape. Retrieved 3 October 2015.
  2. Historic England. "Details from listed building database (1203067)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 23 January 2013.
  3. Historic England. "Details from listed building database (1281885)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 23 January 2013.
  4. "PORTLAND EASTON WINDMILLS - Dorset Windmills". Sites.google.com. Retrieved 23 January 2013.
  5. "PORTLAND EASTON WINDMILLS - Dorset Windmills". Sites.google.com. Retrieved 16 September 2012.
  6. "Windmills, Portland, Dorset". Geoffkirby.co.uk. Retrieved 16 September 2012.
  7. "Campaigners call for protection of Portland windmills". Dorset Echo. 18 March 2015. Retrieved 26 December 2017.

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