Site overview
Colney Heath Mill is a former tower corn mill on Coursers Road, Colney Heath. The Grade II listed windmill was built in the mid nineteenth century, with the listing placing construction soon after 1862 and specialist mill histories recording a date around 1854. It was a four-storey tarred red-brick tower mill with a domed cap, four sails, three pairs of millstones, and later steam assistance.
The sails were removed around 1890, and the mill continued working until 1906, latterly with steam power. The tower was later adapted for residential use, with conversion work recorded between 1999 and 2004. The surviving structure remains attached to Mill House.
Map
History
Colney Heath Mill stands on Coursers Road at Colney Heath. It was built in the mid nineteenth century as a wind-powered corn mill. The National Heritage List describes the listed building as a windmill built soon after 1862, while specialist mill histories give a construction date around 1854. The tower was built in tarred red brick and rose to about 15 metres, with small casement windows on several levels and a domed cap.
The mill worked as a corn mill and was fitted with four sails driving three pairs of millstones. Known millers included Edward Whitehead, Samuel Fairey, James Fairey, Henry James, and William James. During its later working life the mill used steam power as an auxiliary source. Its sails were removed around 1890, but the mill continued operating until 1906.
After its working life ended, the tower survived beside Mill House. Twentieth-century repairs included some replacement brickwork to the ground floor and cementing to the top of the tower. The building was later converted to residential use, with conversion recorded between 1999 and 2004. Colney Heath Mill is protected as a Grade II listed building and remains a distinctive surviving tower mill in the village.
Timeline
Tower corn mill built
Early millers recorded
Sails removed
Working use ended
Converted to residential use
Sources and records
Windmill World site entry
Mills Archive site record
Wikipedia article: Colney Heath Mill
List of windmills in Hertfordshire