Chillenden Windmill

Chillenden Windmill is a post mill in Kent featuring four spring sails mounted on a cast-iron windshaft and housing two pairs of millstones for processing grain. The structure sits on an open trestle framework that allows visitors to see how the milling mechanism operates.

The windmill was built in 1868 by Holman's of Canterbury, replacing an earlier post mill that once stood on the same location. The new structure incorporated materials and components from its predecessor.

The Friends of Chillenden Windmill organization maintains this Grade II listed monument, preserving traditional milling techniques for future generations.

The windmill opens to visitors on Sundays and bank holidays from May through August with no entry fee. The open trestle design allows you to view the milling machinery from multiple angles and positions.

This is one of the last remaining post mills in the region built using open trestle construction, a building method that fell out of favor in the 19th century. The exposed framework reveals how the wooden structure and gearing work together to grind grain.

GPS coordinates: 51.24217,1.24942

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:03