1818
Smock mill built
Terling Windmill was built around 1818 as a smock mill.
Site overview
Terling Windmill is a Grade II listed smock mill built around 1818. It was originally a bark mill and later became a corn mill. The four-storey smock stands on a single-storey brick base and was fitted with double patent sails, a cast-iron windshaft and an eight-bladed fantail.
The mill worked by wind until 1949 and then by external power until a fatal machinery accident in 1950. It was converted to residential use in 1970, with major machinery retained.
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
Terling Windmill was built around 1818 on Mill Lane. It may have had an earlier origin at Cressing, but that earlier history remains uncertain. At Terling it began as a bark mill and was advertised in 1818 as newly built and capable of conversion to corn grinding.
The mill developed as a four-storey octagonal smock on a single-storey brick base, without a stage. It had a domed cap, four double patent sails, a cast-iron windshaft and an eight-bladed fantail. The smock was painted white until 1929 and then tarred.
In 1935 a gale damaged the mill and blew off the fantail. A pair of sails from Button's Mill at Diss was fitted during the 1930s. Wind working continued until 1949, after which the mill worked by external power.
On 30 August 1950 the miller Herbert Bonner was killed after being trapped in the machinery, and the mill's working life ended. The building was converted to residential use in 1970, retaining major machinery and restoring its external appearance.
Timeline
1818
Bark mill offered for sale
The mill was offered for sale as a newly built bark mill that could be converted to corn grinding.
1935
Gale damaged mill
A gale damaged the mill and blew off the fantail.
1949
Wind working ended
The mill ceased working by wind and continued briefly by external power.
1950
Working life ended
The mill ceased working after the miller was killed in a machinery accident.
1970
Converted to a dwelling
The mill was converted to residential use, with major machinery retained.
Sources and records
Historic England National Heritage List entry
Windmill World Terling Windmill entry
Mills Archive Terling Smock Mill catalogue entry
Wikipedia article: Terling Windmill
Essex windmills comparative survey
Windmill World Terling Windmill entry
Mills Archive Terling Smock Mill catalogue entry
Wikipedia article: Terling Windmill
Essex windmills comparative survey