Draper's Mill, Smock windmill in Margate, England.
Draper's Mill is a four-story smock windmill in Margate featuring a brick base and large patent sails designed for grain processing. The structure contained millstones inside and used a cast iron windshaft with an automated fantail that adjusted the mill to changing wind direction.
The mill was built in 1845 by miller John Holman from Canterbury and served the region with grain products for many decades. In 1916 it switched to gas engine power, making it less dependent on wind conditions.
The mill shows how industrial production was rooted in local life and served the community's daily needs. It represents the bridge between traditional craftsmanship and mechanical innovation that shaped the region's economy of that era.
The mill is located on the northern edge of Margate and is visible from the street, though access to the interior may be limited. A visit from the outside shows the impressive scale and technical details of the structure, particularly the large sails.
The structure is the sole surviving remnant of three mills that once occupied this location between 1858 and 1872. The 1970s restoration work brought the building back to life and reveals the original engineering skill that went into its design.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
