The village of Chishill is renowned for its mill. The iconic Great Chishill Windmill is an open trestle post mill and as such is one of only 8 left in the country. It is however unique in that it features a fantail which means that it automatically turns towards the wind. Built in 1819 in the reign of George III using some timbers from earlier mills (including some from the 17th Century), it stopped milling in 1951 and went through a period of ups and downs until taken over by the Great Chishill Windmill Trust in 2011.

The Trust, with the support of the village, and funds from Historic England and The Society for The Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) renovated the windmill. The Trust regularly opens it to the public when visitors can see inside just as the miller left it. The Trust has plans to have the sails rotate again and perhaps in the future to have the stones grind. The location of the mill to the south of the village is also perfect for picnics and evening drinks. Please visit the mill on one of our open days (every second and fourth Sunday (10:00 to 16:00) during April to September) or contact us for an ad hoc tour

History

Phillip Unwin produced a small booklet in 1976 covering the history of windmills in Great Chishill. A reproduction of the book can be read here.

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Photos from the renovation project 2017 – 18