1800–1809
Windmill built
The Roundhouse was built in the first decade of the nineteenth century as a windmill by Thomas Smart.
Site overview
Bradford Old Windmill, also known as The Roundhouse, was built in the first decade of the nineteenth century as a windmill by Thomas Smart, a corn factor and grocer. It was used for corn milling, but the venture was short-lived. The cap and sails were lost in the early nineteenth century, and the building was soon converted into a house.
The converted tower later operated as bed-and-breakfast accommodation.
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
Bradford Old Windmill stands on Masons Lane above Bradford-on-Avon. It was built in the first decade of the nineteenth century by Thomas Smart, a corn factor and grocer. The mill was constructed when local water-powered mills had largely been directed towards woollen cloth production.
Its working life as a windmill was brief. The cap and sails were blown off in the early nineteenth century, and the mill was soon converted into a house. The surviving stone tower remained as a distinctive round building above the town and later operated as Bradford Old Windmill bed-and-breakfast accommodation.
Its current commercial status has changed, but the converted former tower survives.
Timeline
1800–1899
Converted to house
The former windmill was converted into a house after its short working life.
1818
Cap and sails lost
The cap and sails were blown off in the early nineteenth century.
2008
Bed-and-breakfast use
The converted former windmill operated as Bradford Old Windmill bed-and-breakfast accommodation.
Sources and records
Bradford on Avon Museum local history page
Windmill World site entry
Mills Archive mill record
Geograph photographic record
List of windmills in Wiltshire
Windmill World site entry
Mills Archive mill record
Geograph photographic record
List of windmills in Wiltshire