1300
Early Hammerwich windmill recorded
A windmill was recorded at Hammerwich in 1300.
Site overview
The Hammerwich windmill, known as Speedwell Mill, is a surviving former tower mill on Church Lane. Windmilling is recorded at Hammerwich from 1300, the earliest recorded windmill reference in Staffordshire, but the present tower was built in 1779 by Thomas Middleton. By 1824 it was known as Speedwell Mill.
It was operated in the nineteenth century by a sequence of millers, including Thomas Davies and later the Benton family. Grinding ceased after Elizabeth Benton's death in 1898, and the mill was dismantled in 1908. Robert Sanders bought the former mill, converted it into a house, and added a battlemented top to the tower.
The converted tower survives as a private residence and was listed at Grade II in 1973.
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
The Hammerwich site has a long windmilling history. A windmill is recorded at Hammerwich in 1300, making it the earliest recorded windmill in Staffordshire. The present tower, later known as Speedwell Mill, was built in 1779 by Thomas Middleton, a maltster.
Middleton was still working at the mill in 1823, and in 1824 he conveyed the mill with the rest of his Hammerwich property to his son William. By that date the mill was known as Speedwell Mill. It was advertised for sale in 1827 with a newly built three-bedroom house adjoining it.
During the 1830s the mill was operated by Thomas Davies. By 1841 it was owned by Elizabeth Benton and worked by John Benton, probably her son. John Benton remained the miller until his death in 1881, after which his widow Elizabeth continued the business until her death in 1898.
The mill then ceased grinding and was dismantled in 1908. Robert Sanders, the Hammerwich postmaster, bought the structure, converted it into a house, and added a battlemented top. The converted tower survives and was listed at Grade II on 28 June 1973.
Timeline
1779
Present tower built
The present windmill tower was built by Thomas Middleton, a maltster.
1824
Known as Speedwell Mill
By 1824 the windmill was known as Speedwell Mill and was conveyed by Thomas Middleton to his son William.
1827
Advertised for sale
The mill was advertised for sale with a newly built three-bedroom house adjoining it.
1830–1839
Operated by Thomas Davies
During the 1830s the mill was operated by Thomas Davies.
1841–1898
Benton family operation
By 1841 the mill was owned by Elizabeth Benton and worked by John Benton; Elizabeth Benton continued working the mill until her death in 1898.
1898
Grinding ceased
The mill ceased grinding after Elizabeth Benton's death.
1908
Mill dismantled
The mill was dismantled in 1908.
1908
Converted into house
Robert Sanders bought the former mill, converted it into a house, and added a battlemented top to the tower.
1973
Grade II listing
The Windmill at Hammerwich was listed at Grade II.
Sources and records
Burntwood Family History Group article: Hammerwich Windmill
Staffordshire Past Track record: Old Mill, Hammerwich
Historic England National Heritage List for England entry: The Windmill, Church Lane
Windmill World entry: Hammerwich windmill
Hammerwich Parish Council history page
Staffordshire Past Track record: Old Mill, Hammerwich
Historic England National Heritage List for England entry: The Windmill, Church Lane
Windmill World entry: Hammerwich windmill
Hammerwich Parish Council history page