1800–1819
Smock mill built at Farningham
The smock mill was built at Chimham's Farm, Farningham, in the early nineteenth century.
Site overview
West Kingsdown Windmill is a Grade II listed black smock mill on Pells Lane. It was built at Farningham in the early nineteenth century and moved to West Kingsdown in 1880, where it joined an existing post mill. The post mill burnt down in 1909, leaving the smock mill as the survivor.
The mill worked by wind until 1928 and is now owned and maintained by Kent County Council. It retains its principal machinery and three pairs of millstones, although it is not in working order.
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
West Kingsdown Windmill was built in the early nineteenth century at Chimham's Farm, Farningham. It appeared on early nineteenth-century maps before being dismantled and moved to West Kingsdown in 1880. At West Kingsdown it joined an existing post mill, forming a pair of mills on the site.
The post mill burnt down in May 1909 after fire spread from straw ignited by a steam roller. The smock mill continued to work by wind until 1928. It had a four-storey smock on a single-storey brick base, a first-floor stage, a cast-iron windshaft, two common sails, two double patent sails and fantail winding.
One sail was damaged on 25 December 1929 and the fantail blew off in November 1930. Kent County Council acquired the mill in 1958. External restoration was carried out in 1960 by Thompson & Son of Alford.
Further repairs and repainting took place in 2009, and later weatherboarding and window repairs were carried out before the mill was repainted in its black Kentish finish. The mill is not in working order, but its principal machinery and three pairs of millstones remain.
Timeline
1880
Mill moved to West Kingsdown
The smock mill was dismantled and moved from Farningham to West Kingsdown.
1909
Post mill burnt down
The neighbouring post mill burnt down in May 1909, leaving the smock mill as the survivor on the site.
1928
Wind working ended
The smock mill worked by wind until 1928.
1929
Sail damaged
One sail was damaged on Christmas Day 1929.
1930
Fantail blown off
The fantail blew off in November 1930.
1958
Kent County Council ownership began
Kent County Council acquired the mill and took responsibility for its maintenance.
1960
External restoration completed
External restoration was carried out by Thompson & Son of Alford.
2009
Weatherboard repairs made
Repairs were made to the weatherboards and the mill was repainted.
Sources and records
Kent County Council West Kingsdown Windmill page
Mills Archive mill record
Windmill World West Kingsdown mill entry
Wikipedia article: West Kingsdown Windmill
Mills Archive catalogue entries
List of windmills in Kent
Mills Archive mill record
Windmill World West Kingsdown mill entry
Wikipedia article: West Kingsdown Windmill
Mills Archive catalogue entries
List of windmills in Kent