1750–1799
Turret post windmill built
Peckhole Windmill was built as a late eighteenth-century turret post windmill on North Ronaldsay.
Site overview
North Ronaldsay, Peckhole Windmill is the surviving rubble base of a turret post windmill. The windmill was used for grinding grain and operated until about 1908, when it was replaced by a diesel engine-powered meal mill nearby.
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
North Ronaldsay, Peckhole Windmill is a former turret post windmill at Peckhole on North Ronaldsay in Orkney. The surviving structure is a tapered circular rubble base about 2.8 metres high, with remains of the central timber post. The upper timber revolving sail house and four sails have gone, but historic drawings show the mill in working order with a long tail beam used to turn the sail house into the wind.
The windmill was used for grinding grain and remained in operation until about 1908, when it was replaced by a diesel engine-powered meal mill immediately to the north-west. The building was listed at Category B on 6 June 1997.
Timeline
1882
Windmill shown on Ordnance Survey mapping
Peckhole Windmill appeared on the first edition Ordnance Survey map.
1908
Windmill working ended
Peckhole Windmill operated until about 1908, when it was replaced by a diesel engine-powered meal mill nearby.
1997
Listed building designation
North Ronaldsay, Peckhole Windmill was listed at Category B on 6 June 1997.
Sources and records
Historic Environment Scotland listed building record; Trove / Canmore place record; RCAHMS inventory record; Scottish Windmills: A Survey; Orkney local history record