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Cap removed
The cap was removed and a temporary roof was fitted over the surviving smock tower.
Site overview
Somerley Mill at Earnley is a Grade II listed smock corn mill. It was first mentioned in 1803 and was raised in 1827, when a brick base was built beneath the smock. The mill worked until 1942.
The cap was later removed and a temporary roof was placed over the surviving smock tower. Conservation repairs have stabilised the remaining structure while restoration remains incomplete.
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
Somerley Mill was first mentioned in 1803 and worked as a smock corn mill at Earnley. It is an eight-sided, three-storey smock mill on a single-storey brick base. In 1827 the mill was raised and the brick base was built beneath it.
During its working life it had a beehive cap winded by a fantail, two common sails and two spring sails. The mill drove two pairs of overdrift millstones, with a third pair worked by engine. It worked until 1942.
The cap was later removed and a temporary roof was fitted over the surviving smock tower. The remaining structure has undergone holding repairs as part of an ongoing conservation programme.
Timeline
1803
Mill first mentioned
Somerley Mill was first mentioned as a smock corn mill at Earnley.
1827
Mill raised
The mill was raised and a single-storey brick base was built beneath the smock.
1942
Working ended
The smock mill worked until this year.
Sources and records
Wikipedia article: Somerley Mill, Earnley
Windmill World site entry
Mills Archive catalogue entry
Sussex Industrial History article: Earnley Windmill
Conservation Care Solutions project note
Windmill World site entry
Mills Archive catalogue entry
Sussex Industrial History article: Earnley Windmill
Conservation Care Solutions project note