Lower Mill, Smock mill in Woodchurch, England
Lower Mill is a smock mill located in Woodchurch with a brick base supporting a wooden frame structure. The mill features four patent sails attached to a cast-iron windshaft that rotated to grind grain using wind power.
The mill was built in the early 1800s and served the village as an important grain processing center for over a century. It closed as modern industrial methods replaced traditional wind-powered milling.
The local community in Woodchurch developed a strong connection to this mill over generations as a landmark of village life. People passed through its grounds regularly, making it part of their daily landscape and collective memory.
The mill is best viewed from outside as it is a protected historic building with limited visitor access. Check with local heritage organizations beforehand to learn about any special opening times or guided visits that may be available.
The mill features an eight-blade fantail system that automatically rotated the cap to face the wind for maximum power. This ingenious mechanism meant the mill could operate efficiently without constant manual adjustment.
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