1775
Windmill in existence
The red-brick tower mill at Meir Heath was in existence by 1775.
Site overview
Meir Heath windmill is a preserved brick tower standing beside the Windmill Inn on Hilderstone Road. The mill was in existence by 1775 and was a red-brick tower mill with four sails, a boat cap, and a tailpole. It ceased working in the early twentieth century and was converted into a water tower in 1908.
During the Second World War it was used as an observation post. The tower survives without its original working sails and machinery, but it has been restored, including the provision of a boat-cap style roof. The building is Grade II listed and has also been associated with local preservation activity.
Its present character is that of a landmark former corn mill incorporated into the setting of a public house.
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
Meir Heath windmill was already in existence by 1775. It was a red-brick tower mill fitted with four sails, a boat cap, and a tailpole, and it worked as a wind-powered corn mill. The tower stood on high ground beside the route now known as Hilderstone Road and has long been associated with public-house use in the locality.
The mill ceased work in the early twentieth century. In 1908 it was converted into a water tower, marking a change from milling to utility use. During the Second World War the tower was used as an observation post.
Later evidence records the surviving structure as a three-storey brick tower, about 35 feet high, with opposed ground-floor doorways and altered window openings. Local preservation work in the early twenty-first century restored the tower and provided a new boat-cap style roof. The tower is protected as a Grade II listed building and remains a visible landmark beside the Windmill Inn at Meir Heath.
Timeline
1900–1909
Milling ceased
The windmill ceased working in the early twentieth century.
1908
Converted into water tower
The former windmill was converted into a water tower.
1939–1945
Used as observation post
The former windmill tower was used as an observation post during the Second World War.
2004
Preservation group formed
A local preservation group was formed to save and restore the tower.
Sources and records
Staffordshire Past Track record: Windmill Inn, Meir Heath
The Potteries local history page: Windmill tower, Hilderstone Road
Waymarking record: Meir Heath Windmill
Fulford Parish local history document: Meir Heath and Rough Close
The Potteries local history page: Windmill tower, Hilderstone Road
Waymarking record: Meir Heath Windmill
Fulford Parish local history document: Meir Heath and Rough Close