1866
Jack Mill built
Jack Mill was built as a five-storey tower mill at Clayton.
Site overview
Jack Mill stands with Jill Mill on the South Downs above Clayton. It was built in 1866 as a tower mill, replacing the earlier Duncton Mill. Jack worked with Jill until the early twentieth century.
The mill later lost its internal machinery below windshaft level, but the tower, cap, sails, and landmark form survive.
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
Jack Mill stands above Clayton as part of the Jack and Jill windmill group. It was built in 1866 as a five-storey tower mill to replace the earlier Duncton post mill. The head wheel from Duncton Mill was reused as Jack's brake wheel.
Jack had four patent sails, a domed cap, a five-bladed fantail, and a stage at first-floor level. The tower had three pairs of millstones, with space for a fourth pair. In 1873 the mill was fitted with Hammond's Patent Sweep Governor.
Jack worked with Jill Mill until the Clayton mills ceased working in 1906. Machinery below windshaft level was later removed. New sails were fitted in 1966 for film use, and the mill survives as a prominent Grade II* listed tower mill.
Timeline
1873
Sweep governor fitted
Jack Mill was fitted with Hammond's Patent Sweep Governor.
1906
Working life ended
The working life of the Clayton mills ended.
1966
New sails fitted
Jack Mill was fitted with new sails for film use.
Sources and records
Clayton Windmills article
Clayton Windmills Society history
Sussex Industrial History article: Clayton Windmills
List of windmills in West Sussex
Clayton Windmills Society history
Sussex Industrial History article: Clayton Windmills
List of windmills in West Sussex