Ashdon Windmill Trust
The heart of Ashdon
Restoration History of Ashdon Windmill
1999–2014
The Beginning – 1999
In April 1999, a public meeting of Ashdon villagers unanimously agreed that the Windmill should be saved and restored, including the reinstatement of its sails. From that meeting, Ashdon Windmill Trust Ltd was formed and registered as a charity (No. 1078153). Planning permission and Listed Building Consent were subsequently obtained.
The Mill was owned at the time by the Thurlow Estate, who generously agreed in 2000 to gift the Mill to the village. They further pledged £25,000 towards restoration, conditional upon the Trust raising £25,000 itself.
In 2001, the Essex Environment Trust awarded a grant of £40,000, giving the project essential momentum.
Vincent Pargeter was appointed as millwright, and restoration began in earnest in March 2002. The Mill was “trussed up” — horizontal timber needles were passed through the body and secured internally, while four 26-foot raking props were footed on timber pads and bolted into position, creating a strong triangulated support system to stabilise the structure during repairs.
A Landmark Grant – 2004
In July 2004, the project received a major boost when The Heritage Lottery Fund awarded £46,900 — covering 81% of the estimated cost of restoring the tailpole, steps, and sails.
The remaining 19% was raised thanks to the extraordinary generosity of the “Friends of Ashdon Mill,” including former residents and visitors.
This grant allowed the Mill to regain its traditional external appearance, while the longer-term aim remained the restoration of its working function.
Discovery and Continued Work – 2005
In April 2005, while inspecting the Roundhouse brickwork, Peter Jamieson and David How discovered coloured drawings hidden behind cobwebs. The images included a French lady, “Mme Fouget,” a French gentleman seated at a desk with a telephone, and depictions of both the French Tricolour and the Union Jack. Believed to date between the World Wars, their origin remains a mystery.
Designs for new sails were submitted to the Uttlesford Planning Department, and work on the steps and tailpole continued. Delays occurred later that year, but plans were made to floodlight the Mill for Christmas.
The Return of the Sails – 2006
By March 2006, the tailpole and steps were complete. Timber was purchased for the sails, and construction began.
On 5th July 2006, the new sails were fitted — a magnificent achievement by Vincent Pargeter.
On 23rd September 2006, in front of more than 150 Friends and supporters, the sails were officially inaugurated by Patricia Herrmann O.B.E., Vice Chairman of Essex Environment Trust.
At the close of her address, the sails turned.
It was a deeply moving moment. The sails had last stopped in 1912 and had not turned for almost a century.
With the external restoration largely complete, focus turned to restoring the Roundhouse and reinstating the internal machinery.
Roundhouse Restoration – 2007–2009
Although work on the Roundhouse was planned for late 2007, poor weather delayed progress. Planning meetings were held to source historically accurate bricks to match those used around 1820.
In 2008, restoration began in earnest. Melvyn Davey undertook much of the brickwork, removing damaged sections and stitching in replacements, often working in extremely cold conditions. The roof covering was later replaced by Vincent.
In Summer 2009, for the first time in nearly 100 years, the sails turned regularly using temporary cloth sails as part of a maintenance programme.
Attention then shifted to restoring the millstones and internal machinery. Despite economic challenges, sufficient funds were raised to commission a millstone case and associated equipment.
Rebuilding the Milling Mechanism – 2010–2013
In 2010, the millstone box was completed, and design work began on the drive mechanism linking sails to stones.
Progress proved slow. The first pair of stones were found to be unsuitable and were eventually replaced in 2013.
On 17th August 2013, using a lorry fitted with a HIAB crane, four millstones were carefully lifted into the Mill and positioned on the first floor — a major logistical milestone.
Bringing the Mill Back to Working Order – 2014
In Spring 2014, detailed measurements were taken to create patterns for casting the cogs that would connect sails to millstones. Governors were designed to regulate stone speed and flour quality.
By Summer 2014, the quant — the vertical shaft transmitting power from brake to runner stone — was installed. When complete, the millstones would rotate nearly seven times for every single revolution of the sails.
A grant from Essex Heritage Trust funded the installation of an ash hurdle safety fence, manufactured by Andy Basham. This essential addition allowed the sails to turn safely.
Repainting of the Mill began in Autumn 2014 using traditional linseed oil–based paint, applied by abseiling painter and millwright Bill Griffiths. This breathable, flexible coating was chosen for its suitability for historic structures.
Although nearly ready to grind once more, new cloth sails were required following theft during break-ins. Proper shuttered sails remained a future aspiration due to cost.
A Community Achievement
The restoration of Ashdon Windmill between 1999 and 2014 stands as a testament to the dedication of trustees, volunteers, skilled craftspeople, grant-giving bodies, and the wider community.
From a silent structure with missing sails to a windmill once again turning proudly above the village — and nearing full milling capability — the journey reflects extraordinary perseverance, craftsmanship, and village spirit.
The work ensured that Ashdon Windmill was not only restored in appearance, but steadily returned toward its original purpose: grinding corn into flour, just as it had done for generations before.
