1802
Smock mill built
Beacon Mill was built on Beacon Hill at Rottingdean in 1802.
Site overview
Beacon Mill, also known as New Mill or Rottingdean Windmill, is a smock mill on Beacon Hill at Rottingdean. It was built in 1802 by Thomas Beard and worked as a corn mill until 1881. The mill was repaired in 1905–06 and restored again in 1935, with later structural support added in the 1960s and 1970s.
It remains a restored 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
Beacon Mill stands on Beacon Hill at Rottingdean and is also known as New Mill or Rottingdean Windmill. It was built in 1802 by Thomas Beard and worked as a corn mill for the village, supplying flour to local bakers. The mill is a black smock mill with a brick base and tarred weatherboarding.
It worked until 1881, after which it fell into disrepair. The Marquess of Abergavenny had the mill repaired in 1905–06, but it was derelict again by the early 1920s. It was restored in 1935, with millwrighting by Neve's of Heathfield and new sails by Holman's of Canterbury.
In 1969 an internal steel frame was fitted to support the smock, and the framing was extended into the cap in 1974. The mill is preserved as a seamark and landmark.
Timeline
1881
Corn milling ended
Beacon Mill worked as a corn mill until 1881.
1905–1906
Mill repaired
Beacon Mill was repaired in 1905–06 for the Marquess of Abergavenny.
1935
Mill restored
Beacon Mill was restored in 1935, with millwrighting by Neve's of Heathfield.
1969
Internal steel frame fitted
An internal steel frame was fitted in 1969 to support the smock.
1974
Steel framing extended
The internal steel framing was extended into the cap in 1974.
Sources and records
Wikipedia article: Beacon Mill, Rottingdean
Rottingdean Heritage: History of the Windmill
Historic England National Heritage List entry: Rottingdean Windmill
National Mills Weekend: Rottingdean Windmill
Windmill World: Rottingdean windmill
Rottingdean Heritage: History of the Windmill
Historic England National Heritage List entry: Rottingdean Windmill
National Mills Weekend: Rottingdean Windmill
Windmill World: Rottingdean windmill