Gibbet Mill, Grade II listed smock mill in Rye, England.
Gibbet Mill is a four-story smock mill in Rye with a brick base, featuring traditional spring sails mounted on a cast-iron shaft and a distinctive Kentish-style cap. The structure showcases the engineering approach of its time through its wooden construction and mechanical design.
The mill was built in 1824 and ran on wind power for nearly a century before being converted to a bakery in 1912. Following a fire in 1930, it was reconstructed two years later with modifications to its design.
The name reflects the darker past of the location where executions once took place. Today the structure remains a notable landmark that shapes how visitors perceive the historic town.
The building now operates as accommodation, allowing visitors to stay within a reconstructed piece of industrial heritage. Keep in mind that spaces are limited due to the historic nature of the structure and its original design constraints.
The 1932 reconstruction gave the mill decorative sails and a fantail that deliberately differed from traditional designs, prioritizing appearance over mechanical function. This choice shows how early heritage preservation often blended practical restoration with aesthetic goals.
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