Alford Windmill, Five-sailed tower mill in Alford, England.
Alford Windmill is a tower mill in Lincolnshire built from brick and standing six stories tall with a distinctive white onion-shaped roof cap. The structure features five patent-shutter sails mounted on its black exterior and was designed to process grain for the surrounding farmland.
The mill was built in 1837 by Sam Oxley and operated continuously until 1955, serving the agricultural economy of the region for more than a century. It received Grade I listed status in recognition of its historical importance as an industrial building.
The mill connects to Alford's rural past and represents how farming communities once depended on these structures for their grain supply. It stands as a symbol of the agricultural life that shaped the region for centuries.
The mill is currently closed for major restoration work and not open to visitors at this time. Before planning a visit, check with the Alford Windmill Trust or local tourism office to learn when it will reopen and whether guided tours will be offered.
Inside the mill are four pairs of grinding stones supplied by Tuxfords of Boston, which allowed grain to be processed across multiple levels simultaneously. This equipment was sophisticated for the era and made the mill one of the more efficient grain processing facilities in the area.
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