—
Private preservation continued
The mill was preserved by private individuals after the end of working use.
Site overview
Stocks Mill is a post mill at Wittersham. Kent windmill lists record it as built or first recorded in 1781, and working continued until about 1900. After its working life ended, the mill was preserved by private individuals rather than being demolished.
It was restored between 2002 and 2004. The site preserves a rare Kent post-mill survival, retaining the timber mill form and windshaft rather than only a base or mound. Its history is therefore one of long survival after the end of working use, with later restoration securing the structure as a distinctive feature of the Wittersham landscape.
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
Stocks Mill at Wittersham is a surviving post mill. It is recorded in Kent windmill lists from 1781 and worked until about 1900. The mill stands within the Wealden windmill landscape around Wittersham, where post mills were once a common form of wind-powered corn mill.
After working use ended, Stocks Mill did not disappear in the way many post mills did. It was preserved by private individuals, allowing the timber mill structure to survive beyond its commercial life. Restoration took place between 2002 and 2004, securing the mill and maintaining its post-mill character. The mill is now best understood as a preserved and restored post mill, retaining the visible form of the older wind-powered milling tradition at Wittersham.
Timeline
1781
Post mill recorded
Stocks Mill at Wittersham is recorded from 1781.
1900
Working use ended
The post mill worked until about 1900.
2002–2004
Mill restored
Stocks Mill was restored between 2002 and 2004.
Sources and records
Windmill World site entry
List of windmills in Kent
Kent windmill reference works
Mills Archive photographic records
List of windmills in Kent
Kent windmill reference works
Mills Archive photographic records