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Base adapted as store
The brick base was built upon and used as a store.
Site overview
Cheriton Mill, also known as Ashley Mill, was a smock mill at Cheriton near Folkestone. It was moved from Hythe in 1877 and worked by wind until 1902, after which it continued by engine. The mill was demolished in 1919, but the brick base was built upon and used as a store.
Modern windmill records describe the survival as an extended base. The site is therefore a reduced and adapted survival of a former smock mill, preserving the lower structure after the loss of the smock body, cap, sails, and wind-powered machinery.
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
Cheriton Mill, also known as Ashley Mill, was a smock mill at Cheriton. It was moved from Hythe in 1877 and re-erected at Cheriton, continuing the practice of relocating timber smock mills to new working sites. The mill worked by wind until 1902 and then continued by engine power, showing the transition from wind to auxiliary mechanical power in its final working phase.
The mill was demolished in 1919. Its brick base was not wholly removed: the base was built upon and used as a store. Modern windmill records identify the remaining structure as an extended base at the Cheriton site. Although the upper smock, cap, sails, and working machinery have disappeared, the adapted base preserves the location and lower fabric of the former wind-powered corn mill.
Timeline
1877
Mill moved from Hythe
Cheriton Mill, also known as Ashley Mill, was moved from Hythe and re-erected at Cheriton.
1902
Wind working ended
The mill worked by wind until 1902.
1902–1919
Engine working continued
After wind working ended, the mill continued by engine power.
1919
Smock mill demolished
The mill was demolished in 1919, leaving the brick base.
Sources and records
Windmill World site entry
List of windmills in Kent
Mills Archive site record
Kent windmill reference works
Coles Finch, Watermills and Windmills
List of windmills in Kent
Mills Archive site record
Kent windmill reference works
Coles Finch, Watermills and Windmills