1828
Post mill built
Ashcombe Mill was built on Kingston ridge as a six-sailed post corn mill.
Site overview
Ashcombe Mill was a six-sailed post corn mill built in 1828 on Kingston ridge near Lewes. The original mill was destroyed in a gale in 1916. Planning permission was granted in 2007 for a facsimile reconstruction on the same site, with the new building intended as residential accommodation and to generate electricity.
The reconstructed mill frame was erected in 2009 and turned on its axis by the end of 2010.
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
Ashcombe Mill was built in 1828 on Kingston ridge near Lewes, probably by Samuel Medhurst of Lewes. It was a six-sailed post corn mill and formed a prominent feature above Kingston. The original mill was destroyed in a gale in 1916.
In 2007 planning permission was granted for Sussex Mills Group to reconstruct a facsimile of the original mill on the same site. The reconstruction was planned as environmentally responsible residential accommodation and as a generator of electricity for the National Grid, while retaining a windmill form. A steel frame was erected in early 2009 and the wooden cladding was fitted later that year.
By the end of 2010 the tailpole and rear steps had been fixed, the structure had been painted white, and the reconstructed mill had turned on its axis for the first time.
Timeline
1916
Original mill destroyed
The original post mill was destroyed in a gale.
2007
Reconstruction approved
Planning permission was granted for a facsimile reconstruction on the same site.
2009
Reconstruction erected
A steel frame was constructed and wooden cladding was attached.
2010
Reconstructed mill turned
The reconstructed mill turned on its axis for the first time.
Sources and records
Sussex Mills Group site entry
Wikipedia article: Ashcombe Mill, Kingston
Windmill World site entry
Mills Archive catalogue entry
Wikipedia article: Ashcombe Mill, Kingston
Windmill World site entry
Mills Archive catalogue entry