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Site overview

Medmerry Mill stands at Selsey as a restored tower windmill. It was built around 1827, replacing an earlier post mill, and worked by wind until 1890. Holloway of Shoreham refitted the mill in 1907-1908, and it continued working into the early twentieth century.

The mill was later restored and used as a shop.

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

Medmerry Mill stands at Selsey. It was built around 1827 as a tower mill, replacing an earlier post mill recorded in 1783. The mill was built as a five-storey corn mill driving two pairs of millstones.

It worked by wind until 1890. Holloway of Shoreham refitted the mill in 1907-1908, leaving a four-storey brick tower mill with a domed cap, fantail winding, four patent sails on a cast-iron windshaft, and an iron brake wheel. The mill continued working into the early 1920s.

By 1928 it was derelict and its four sails were badly damaged. Restoration in the 1960s removed the fanstage. The mill was damaged again in 1987, but the sails were later restored.

It survives as a Grade II listed restored tower mill and has been used as a shop.

Timeline

1783

Earlier post mill recorded

An earlier post mill was associated with Selsey before the tower mill was built.
1827

Medmerry Mill built

Medmerry Mill was built at Selsey as a tower mill.
1890

Wind working ended

Medmerry Mill ceased working by wind.
1907–1908

Mill refitted

Holloway of Shoreham refitted the tower mill.
1920–1929

Working life ended

The mill ceased working during the early twentieth century.
1960

Fanstage removed

The fanstage was removed during restoration work.
1987

Mill damaged

Medmerry Mill was badly damaged and later had its sails restored.

Sources and records

Medmerry Mill, Selsey article
Selsey Photo Archive article: Medmerry Mill, Selsey
Mills Archive entry: Medmerry Mill, Selsey
List of windmills in West Sussex
Sussex Industrial Archaeology Society newsletter