1821
Post mill built at Brighton
Jill Windmill was built at Dyke Road, Brighton, as a post mill.
Site overview
Jill Windmill is a post mill at Clayton in West Sussex, forming part of the Clayton windmill group with Jack. It was originally built at Dyke Road, Brighton, in 1821 and was moved to Clayton in 1852 by teams of oxen. The mill worked until about 1906.
It later became a private residence and holiday home before restoration. Jill was restored in 1986 and is open to the public on advertised occasions.
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
Jill Windmill began as a post mill built at Dyke Road, Brighton, in 1821. When its original site was required for development, the mill was dismantled and moved to Clayton in 1852 by teams of oxen. It was re-erected on the Clayton windmill ridge above Hassocks, close to the site later associated with Jack, the brick tower mill.
Jill worked with Jack as part of the Clayton windmill group until about 1906. After milling ended, the mill passed through later private and leisure uses. Restoration work returned Jill to its present heritage role, and the restored post mill opened to the public in 1986.
It remains one of the principal surviving windmill landmarks on the South Downs above Hassocks and Clayton.
Timeline
1852
Moved to Clayton
The post mill was dismantled and moved from Brighton to Clayton by teams of oxen.
1906
Milling ended
Jill and Jack ended their working milling life around 1906.
1986
Restoration completed
Jill Windmill was restored and opened to the public.
Sources and records
Sussex Mills Group windmill gazetteer
List of windmills in West Sussex
Clayton Windmills visitor information
Hassocks parish and local history material
List of windmills in West Sussex
Clayton Windmills visitor information
Hassocks parish and local history material