1649
Earlier windmill site
A windmill stood on the Chimney Mill site by at least 1649.
Site overview
Chimney Mill stands on Claremont Road in Newcastle upon Tyne. A windmill occupied the site by at least 1649, and the present mill was built in 1782 to a design by John Smeaton. It was the first five-sailed smock mill in Britain and worked by wind until 1891.
The mill was later converted for clubhouse use, and its sails, fantail, windshaft, and cap were removed during the twentieth century.
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
Chimney Mill stands on Claremont Road in Newcastle upon Tyne. The site had been occupied by a windmill since at least 1649. The present smock mill was built in 1782 and was designed by John Smeaton.
It was the first five-sailed smock mill in Britain and is the only surviving smock mill in the North East. The mill worked by wind until 1891 and was decommissioned in 1892. It was later converted into the clubhouse for Newcastle City Golf Club.
The sails were removed in 1924, the fantail was dismantled in 1933, and the windshaft and cap were dismantled in 1951. The surviving mill is Grade II listed.
Timeline
1782
Smeaton smock mill built
The present Chimney Mill was built in 1782 to a design by John Smeaton.
1891
Wind working ended
Chimney Mill worked by wind until 1891.
1892
Mill decommissioned
Chimney Mill was decommissioned in 1892.
1924
Sails removed
The sails were removed from Chimney Mill in 1924.
1933
Fantail dismantled
The fantail was dismantled in 1933.
1951
Windshaft and cap dismantled
The windshaft and cap were dismantled and replaced by modern boarding in 1951.
Sources and records
Co-Curate: Chimney Mill
Fabulous North: Chimney Mill in Newcastle City Centre
Tyne and Wear Historic Environment Record: Chimney Mill
North East Mills: Chimney Windmill
Claremont Controls: About the Claremont Windmill
Fabulous North: Chimney Mill in Newcastle City Centre
Tyne and Wear Historic Environment Record: Chimney Mill
North East Mills: Chimney Windmill
Claremont Controls: About the Claremont Windmill