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Engine power adopted
The mill later worked by engine, with an oil engine, belt drives, and milling machinery surviving from that phase.
Site overview
Drinkstone Smock Mill is part of the historic Drinkstone Mills site on Woolpit Road. It is a timber-framed smock mill on the base of an earlier horse mill and was later engine-driven. The mill was built in the late eighteenth century, with the earlier horse-mill base forming part of the structure.
Its sails and fantail have been removed, but the oil engine, belt drives, engine shed, and milling machinery survive in situ. The mill is listed Grade II*.
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
Drinkstone Smock Mill stands close to Drinkstone post mill as part of a long-established milling site. The smock mill was built in the late eighteenth century on the base of an earlier horse mill. The sixteen-sided brick-built base supported the later timber-framed structure above.
The mill was originally wind-driven with canvas-spread sails, and its cap was hand-winded from ground level by a chain-operated drive. A fantail was added towards the end of its wind-powered working life. The mill later worked by engine, and this final phase left an important group of surviving machinery and associated structures.
The sails and fantail have been removed, but the engine shed, oil engine, belt drives, gearing, and milling machinery remain in situ. The site is listed Grade II* for the survival of a timber-framed smock mill retaining evidence of horse, wind, and engine power.
Timeline
1689
Horse-mill base established
An earlier horse mill existed on the site by 1689, and its base later supported the smock mill.
1780
Smock mill built
Drinkstone Smock Mill was built in the late eighteenth century on the base of the earlier horse mill.
1954
Listed building designation
Drinkstone Smock Mill was first listed on 15 November 1954.
2022
Grade II* status confirmed
The smock mill was recognised as a Grade II* listed structure with surviving horse, wind, and engine-power evidence.
Sources and records
Historic England National Heritage List entry: Drinkstone Smock Mill
Historic England recent listing note: Drinkstone Smock Mill
Drinkstone village history page: Drinkstone Mills
Mills Archive catalogue entry: Drinkstone Smock Mill
Windmill World entry: Drinkstone windmill
Suffolk Mills Group windmill gazetteer
Historic England recent listing note: Drinkstone Smock Mill
Drinkstone village history page: Drinkstone Mills
Mills Archive catalogue entry: Drinkstone Smock Mill
Windmill World entry: Drinkstone windmill
Suffolk Mills Group windmill gazetteer