Ramsey Windmill, Essex

Ramsey Windmill is a post mill with a three-story roundhouse and four double Patent sails powered by a cast iron windshaft. The building contains three pairs of millstones, with two arranged in an overdrift configuration and one positioned at the rear end.

The mill was originally built in Woodbridge, Suffolk, and relocated to Ramsey in 1842, remaining operational until World War II. This relocation reflects the agricultural needs and practices that shaped the region during the 19th century.

The windmill shows traditional English milling methods through its oak timber frame and French millstones used for grain processing. Visitors can observe how such buildings shaped rural life and what role they held in local trade and community survival.

The building is a Grade II* listed structure, so visitors should check in advance about access conditions and any guided visits. The surroundings of Ramsey are easy to explore on foot, and the location offers a view of local landscape and architecture from that era.

The main post of the mill measures about 17 feet 6 inches in length and 27 inches square at its base, revealing the remarkably sturdy foundation of this structure. A single gear wheel with around 90 cogs supported the entire mechanical system and enabled grain processing for generations.

Location: Ramsey and Parkeston

GPS coordinates: 51.92834,1.21181

Latest update: December 14, 2025 13:00