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Site overview

Berkswell Windmill at Balsall Common was built in 1826 on the site of an earlier post mill. It is a brick tower corn mill with a boat-shaped cap and endless-chain winding. The mill worked by wind until 1927 and by engine until 1948.

Restoration took place in 1973–1975, with further work from 2004 onward. It is one of the most complete Warwickshire tower mills, retaining sails, machinery and tools for flour and animal-feed production.

Map

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No site photograph is currently available. Images will be added as field visits are carried out.

History

Berkswell Windmill was built at Balsall Common in 1826 on the site of an earlier post mill. The brick tower, boat-shaped cap and endless-chain winding represent a typical Warwickshire tower-mill form. It was built as a corn mill and worked by wind until 1927.

Engine power then continued the mill's working life until 1948. The mill retained an unusually complete set of equipment, including sails, internal machinery and tools used for making flour and animal feed. Restoration was carried out in 1973–1975, and further restoration work began from 2004 onward with grant support.

The windmill is Grade II* listed and survives as a restored historic tower mill at Windmill Lane, Balsall Common.

Timeline

1826

Tower mill built

Berkswell Windmill was built on the site of an earlier post mill.
1927

Wind working ended

The mill worked by wind until 1927.
1948

Engine working ended

The mill worked by engine until 1948.
1972

Grade II* listing

Berkswell Windmill was listed at Grade II*.
1973–1975

Restoration carried out

The windmill was restored between 1973 and 1975.
2004

Further restoration began

Further restoration work began from 2004 onward.

Sources and records

Windmill World site entry
Historic England National Heritage List entry
Mills Archive mill record
Charity Commission record: The Friends of the Berkswell Windmill
BBC News article: Berkswell Windmill reopens after restoration