1858
Peak Mill built
The windmill was built for William Hammond of the Raven Hall Estate and was originally known as Peak Mill.
Site overview
Beacon Windmill, formerly known as Peak Mill, was built in 1858 for William Hammond of the Raven Hall Estate. It was used as a corn mill and stood on the edge of Ravenscar, a settlement formerly known as Peak or The Peak. The mill was in poor condition by 1902, when its two remaining sails were blown down in a gale.
It then closed and its machinery was sold. The stone tower survived in derelict condition for many years and was listed at Grade II in 2001. It was converted into a holiday let in 2013.
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
Beacon Windmill was built in 1858 for William Hammond, the owner of the Raven Hall Estate, and was originally known as Peak Mill. The mill was leased with a neighbouring inn and worked as a wind-powered corn mill. The associated inn was later converted into a farmhouse.
The mill stood at the edge of Ravenscar, which was formerly known as Peak or The Peak. By 1902 the mill was in poor condition. In that year its two remaining sails were blown down in high winds, after which the mill closed and its machinery was sold.
The tower remained derelict for many years. It was built of stone as a circular three-storey tower with a plain stone eaves band, a ground-floor doorway, and single openings in the upper storeys. The former mill appeared in two episodes of Heartbeat while still disused.
It was listed at Grade II in 2001 and was converted into a holiday let in 2013.
Timeline
1902
Windmill closed
The two remaining sails were blown down in high winds, after which the mill closed and its machinery was sold.
2001
Grade II listing
The surviving tower was listed at Grade II.
2013
Holiday-let conversion
The former windmill tower was converted into holiday accommodation.
Sources and records
Historic England National Heritage List entry: Beacon Windmill
Windmill World entry: Ravenscar windmill
Wikipedia article: Beacon Windmill
Fabulous Follies entry: Stainton Dale Beacon Windmill
Windmill World entry: Ravenscar windmill
Wikipedia article: Beacon Windmill
Fabulous Follies entry: Stainton Dale Beacon Windmill