Union Mill, Cranbrook, Grade I listed windmill in Cranbrook, England
Union Mill is a windmill in Cranbrook, England, with a three-story wooden superstructure set on a four-story brick foundation. It stands about 72 feet tall and ranks among England's tallest timber mills, with internal machinery including patent sails, wheels, and three pairs of grinding stones.
It was built in 1814 by millwright James Humphrey for Mary Dobell. After the original owner faced financial collapse in 1819, a consortium of creditors took control and gave the mill its distinctive name.
The name comes from a creditors' union that took control during financial troubles, leaving a mark on the mill's identity. Visitors can observe how traditional milling operations worked through the functioning machinery and grinding stones still present inside.
The building opens to visitors on Saturdays and bank holidays from April through September, with extra openings on Wednesdays and Sundays during summer. The narrow internal stairs and multiple levels require sturdy footwear and patience when moving between floors.
The wooden supports for the patent sails follow a Dutch design and were crafted by millwright Christiaan Bremer during restoration work. This detail sets it apart from the typical construction methods seen in Kent locally.
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