1830
Smock mill built at Highbrook
The present Heritage Mill was built at Highbrook, West Hoathly, in 1830.
Site overview
Heritage Mill, also known as Beard's Mill, is a smock mill at North Chailey. It was originally built in 1830 at Highbrook, West Hoathly, moved to Newhaven in 1844, and moved again to North Chailey in 1864. It worked by wind until 1911.
After storm damage in 1928 and further damage in the 1930s, the mill was restored and conserved as a landmark.
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
Heritage Mill stands at North Chailey and is also known as Beard's Mill. The site had an earlier post mill, while the present smock mill was first built in 1830 at Highbrook, West Hoathly, where it was known as Hammingden Mill. In 1844 it was moved to Newhaven to replace a mill that had burnt down.
In 1864 it was moved again by bullock carts to North Chailey, where it replaced a post mill. The mill worked by wind and produced flour until 1911. On 5 January 1928 it was tailwinded, and the cap and sails were blown off.
It was restored and reopened in 1933. A later tailwinding broke the windshaft between the brake wheel and canister, and Neve's installed a windshaft from Punnett's Town Windmill.
Timeline
1844
Mill moved to Newhaven
The smock mill was moved from Highbrook to Newhaven in 1844.
1864
Mill moved to North Chailey
The smock mill was moved to North Chailey in 1864.
1911
Wind working ended
Heritage Mill worked by wind and produced flour until 1911.
1928
Cap and sails blown off
The mill was tailwinded on 5 January 1928, and the cap and sails were blown off.
1933
Mill reopened after restoration
Heritage Mill reopened after restoration on 4 October 1933.
1935
Replacement windshaft installed
A windshaft from Punnett's Town Windmill was installed after the existing windshaft snapped.
Sources and records
Chailey Parish Council: Chailey Windmill and Museum of Local Artefacts
Wikipedia article: Heritage Mill, North Chailey
Windmill World: Chailey windmill
Chailey St Georges Conservation Area Appraisal
Wikipedia article: Heritage Mill, North Chailey
Windmill World: Chailey windmill
Chailey St Georges Conservation Area Appraisal