1806–1808
Tower mill built
Fulwell Windmill was built between 1806 and 1808.
Site overview
Fulwell Windmill stands at Fulwell, Sunderland. It began to appear on the skyline in 1806 and opened in 1808. Built for Joseph Swan from magnesian limestone quarried nearby, it retained links with the Swan family for many years.
The mill ceased production in 1949 and has since been restored several times. It is the only operational windmill in North East England.
Map
Map markers and directions links are provided for location reference only and do not indicate public access or permission to enter a site.
No site photograph is currently available. Images will be added as field visits are carried out.
History
Fulwell Windmill stands beside Newcastle Road at Fulwell, Sunderland. It began to appear on the Sunderland skyline in 1806 and opened in 1808. The tower mill was built for Joseph Swan from magnesian limestone from the adjacent quarry.
It worked for the local community by grinding grain between stones driven by the great spur wheel and external sails. In 1839 journeyman miller William Wren was killed after being thrown from the sails during a violent storm. The mill ceased production in 1949.
It was restored in 1951, 1987, 2000, and 2018, and it remains the only operational windmill in North East England. Fulwell Windmill is Grade II* listed and has a visitor centre.
Timeline
1808
Mill opened
Fulwell Windmill opened in 1808.
1839
Fatal sail accident
Journeyman miller William Wren was killed after being thrown from the sails during a violent storm in 1839.
1949
Production ceased
Fulwell Windmill ceased production in 1949.
1951
Mill restored
Fulwell Windmill was restored in 1951.
2018
Further restoration completed
Fulwell Windmill was restored again in 2018.
Sources and records
MySunderland: Fulwell Mill
Co-Curate: Fulwell Windmill
Sunderland Heritage: Fulwell Mill
Sunderland Information Point: Fulwell Windmill
Steam Heritage: Fulwell Windmill
Co-Curate: Fulwell Windmill
Sunderland Heritage: Fulwell Mill
Sunderland Information Point: Fulwell Windmill
Steam Heritage: Fulwell Windmill