Rayleigh Windmill, Grade II listed windmill in Rayleigh, England
Rayleigh Windmill is a brick tower structure standing around 60 feet tall with a Kentish cap at the roof, rotated by a six-bladed fantail system at its peak. The building was designed as a grain mill and operated in this capacity for an extended period.
The windmill was built in 1809 for timber merchant Thomas Higgs and initially relied solely on wind power for grain milling. By 1909, steam, oil, and electric motors were installed to support production.
The building houses an accredited museum featuring exhibitions about local heritage, traditional dress, and educational programs for visitors of all ages.
The structure welcomes visitors from March through September with varying hours across weekdays and weekends and offers free entry to explore inside. Check the schedule before arriving since opening times change seasonally.
The walls at the base are roughly 1.4 meters thick and contain three pairs of millstones that were essential for grinding grain. These heavy stones demonstrate the precision craftsmanship needed for grain processing.
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