1762–1796
Smock mill established
Baker Street Mill was established at Orsett by the late eighteenth century.
Site overview
Baker Street Mill at Orsett is a Grade II listed smock mill built in the late eighteenth century. It was a corn mill with a three-storey smock on a two-storey brick base, four double patent sails, a cast-iron windshaft and an eight-bladed fantail. The mill worked by wind until 1914.
It became increasingly derelict after working ceased, lost two sails in 1926, and was converted with the adjoining steam mill to residential accommodation in 1982.
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
Baker Street Mill was built at Orsett in the late eighteenth century. A date of 1762 is present in the mill and a build date of 1765 has also been associated with it, while a firm sale reference places the mill by 1796. The mill developed as a three-storey smock on a two-storey octagonal brick base, with a first-floor stage, Kentish-style cap, cast-iron windshaft, four double patent sails and an eight-bladed fantail.
It originally had hand winding, later replaced by fantail winding, while the original winding arrangement remained as a standby. The mill worked as a corn mill and was later joined by a steam mill, with a new boiler supplied in 1906. Wind working continued until 1914.
After closure the structure declined, and two sails were lost in a lightning strike in 1926. The windmill and steam mill were converted to residential accommodation in 1982, with the lower floors adapted for domestic use while the mill form remained visible.
Timeline
1906
New boiler supplied
A new boiler was supplied for the adjoining steam mill during the later working life of the site.
1914
Wind working ended
The mill ceased working by wind in 1914.
1926
Two sails lost
Two sails were lost in a lightning strike.
1982
Converted to residential use
The windmill and adjoining steam mill were converted to residential accommodation.
Sources and records
Historic England National Heritage List entry
Mills Archive mill record
Windmill World Baker Street Mill entry
Wikipedia article: Baker Street Mill, Orsett
University of Kent Special Collections photograph record
Mills Archive mill record
Windmill World Baker Street Mill entry
Wikipedia article: Baker Street Mill, Orsett
University of Kent Special Collections photograph record