Bursledon Windmill

A Windmill has been in use in the Bursledon area since around 1766. The windmill was well used and was operated by a series of millers until 1787 when William Langtry and his wife Phoebe took over the building. In 1813, Phoebe decided to replace the ageing structure with a 5-storey brick tower mill, used to convert different kinds of grain into flour and animal feed at a cost of £800. In October, 1814, Phoebe mortgaged the windmill for the £800 for a six year period however due to a depression in agriculture that lasted from 1812 to the early 1820s she defaulted on the mortgage so in May, 1820 the mill, house, piggeries and other outbuildings were offered for sale. The Windmill formed a part of the 'golden years' of English agricultural prosperity in the mid 19th century, processing wheat from the surrounding area into flour for local bakers, ships biscuits and household use, and making animal feed from locally grown barley and oats. It was run by various Millers until 1872 when the last miller moved in and last worked in the late 1880s. A long decline in agriculture and the need for major building work meant the windmill fell into disrepair until in the 1970s the Hampshire Buildings Preservation Trust spent 13 years restoring the windmill using the traditional skills of craftsmen. In 1991 the restored windmill was opened to the public. Now the Mill with its wooden machinery is a direct copy of the original and is in full working order.

	Visitor facilities are provided in the traditional timber-framed 17th century barn.
Restored Bursledon Windmill.
	Bursledon Windmill and pond.
The Staddle granary, rescued from elsewhere in Hampshire.

Stoneground wholemeal Flour, ground from Derbyshire “peak” stones, from local conservation-quality wheat is available to buy. The 100% wholemeal flour makes a “strong” tasting loaf, packed with vitamins, trace elements and fibre. This flour is available in three grades, fine, medium and coarse and in three sizes, 500g, 1.5kg and 3kg. The 3Kg bag costs £2.70.

Opening Times Sun 1000-1600 all year and Bank Holiday Mondays 1000-1600

Directions: From M27 J8 follow the brown tourist signs. For more information see the HCC Bursledon Windmill website.

Last Updated on Wednesday, 05 May 2010 22:35