East Wittering Windmill

East Wittering Windmill is a four-storey tower mill built from brick and cement-rendered walls with a distinctive beehive-shaped cap crowning the top. The structure demonstrates the solid construction typical of English grain-processing facilities from the 19th century.

The mill was built in 1810 and operated as a grain-processing facility until around 1895 when operations ceased. It stands as a witness to the shift in agricultural technology and economics during this period.

The structure reflects how grain milling shaped rural life and commerce in Sussex, serving as a reminder of when such mills were central to local crafts and the regional economy.

The building is located on Church Road in East Wittering and remains visible from public areas even in its current state of disrepair. You can observe the structure from the outside, though interior access is not available.

The mill was equipped with an uncommon combination of two Spring sails and two Common sails, driven by a fantail mechanism that automatically oriented itself to the wind. This hybrid sail system was rare in England and reflects innovative attempts to improve the efficiency of wind power.