146 - Just over a mile west of the centre of York, in a housing estate in the Holgate area, is a most unusual small roundabout, on which there is a windmill.
The windmill was built in 1770 by its first owner and miller George Waud. He, his son and grandson ran the mill until 1851.
In 1859 a new granary was built, and a steam engine installed to make the mill more profitable. An extra floor was also built to raise the mill to its present height.
In 1930, a large electric motor was installed to replace the steam engine, chimney and boiler house, which were pulled down. After some storm damage, the mill had to stop grinding under wind power, and the City Council had the sails and the fantail removed. Milling with the electric motor ceased entirely in 1933.
In 2001 the Holgate Preservation Society was formed, and since then it has gradually been restored to it's former glory.
Thank you Louise - the mill is well hidden from Holgate Road. It's on the opposite side of the road to the entrance to West Bank Park and less than 50 yards from Holgate Road, but it can't be seen from there.
Did you see the queue down Windmill Rise last Sunday? Popular or what? My daughter suggested I made it black & white and if anything it is even more beautiful.It's also on the cover of Roundabouts of Britain this year. I reckon you're local. Aren't we lucky?
Hello Shirley - fairly local - across the river in Clifton. I did consider going to the mill at the weekend, but I thought it would be very busy, so I spent the time at attractions in the city centre. Thank you for the follow, I'm following in return.
January 30th, 2013
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Thank you Katharine - Lucy and I went for a walk this afternoon for a joint photo shoot, and to see how the restoration has progressed.
Thank you Louise - the mill is well hidden from Holgate Road. It's on the opposite side of the road to the entrance to West Bank Park and less than 50 yards from Holgate Road, but it can't be seen from there.
Thank you Brian - it's in great condition after the restoration work on it
Thank you Marie, glad you like it!
I look forward to seeing your viewpoint! - It's open some weekends too. Details at http://www.holgatewindmill.org/openday.htm
Thank you Bob, glad you are enjoying the history tour!
Thank you Frida, and thank you for the fav! - more history to follow!
Thank you Katie, glad you like it!
Hello Shirley - fairly local - across the river in Clifton. I did consider going to the mill at the weekend, but I thought it would be very busy, so I spent the time at attractions in the city centre. Thank you for the follow, I'm following in return.