Ashdon Windmill Trust

History of the Windmill

The Ashdon Windmill was built in 1757 by William Haylock, a carpenter of Ashdon. In 1813, the mill was advertised for sale, then having two pairs of millstones. At this time it was still an open trestle mill. The mill was extended at the tail circa 1815. A roundhouse was added circa 1820. The mill was working until 1912.

By 1932 the mill was being propped up from beneath, as the side girt on the left side had failed. The mill was renovated in the late 1950s, but was derelict again by 1974, when further repairs were carried out. The sails were removed in the 1990s.

Key Dates

1757

Mill erected by William Haylock, carpenter of Ashdon. 

1769

A sale notice was published for a piece of land, Incroft, off Greensfoot Lane (Mill Lane), Ashdon.

1775

A further sale notice which included a bolter, brewery and bakehouse.

1809

Josiah Giblin had possession of the Mill. Insured by Stephen Adams for £210 p.a. Mill extended at the rear to accommodate a second pair of stones.

1813

Mill advertised for sale with two pairs of stones and granaries taking 130 quarters.

Circa 1815

Mill extended to take a second pair of stones (French stones).

1819

Josiah Giblin declared bankrupt.

1830

John Ruse was occupier but the Mill was owned by John Brown.

1848

John Brown shown as owner and occupier of the Mill and yard.

1850

Frederick and John Ruse recorded as Millers at Ashdon.

1894

The Mill appears to have been owned and operated by John Bragg of the Tower Mill (on Radwinter Road).

1912

The Mill ceased to work commercially but held by William Bragg.

1916

Mill Cottages rented for £10 per annum as part of Ridgewells Farm.

1932

Efforts made to preserve the Mill and timber props put in for support of the broken left side girt of the Mill cabin.

1950

Extensive repairs carried out.

1970s

Further repairs carried out to the Mill by Thurlow Estate including a new set of sails (non operational).

1990s

Sails removed as now in dangerous condition.

21 Dec 2000

Mill gifted to Ashdon village by Thurlow Estate and registered in the name of Ashdon Windmill Trust Limited.

Jul 2004

Restoration begins...