1797
Mill moved to Preston
The former West Mill was moved from Belle Vue Fields to the Preston site near Dyke Road.
Site overview
Preston Mill, also known as Streeter's Mill, Trusler's Mill or the Black Mill, stood near Dyke Road and Highcroft Villas at Preston. It originated as West Mill at Brighton and was moved to the Preston site in 1797. John Streeter continued working it after the move.
The post mill had two pairs of millstones, an enclosed roundhouse and, later, a five-bladed fantail. James Trusler bought it in 1866, Joseph Harris bought it in 1882, and the old mill was pulled down around 1890.
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
Preston Mill began as West Mill at Belle Vue Fields, Brighton, before being moved to a new site near Dyke Road and Highcroft Villas in 1797. The black post mill then became known as Streeter's Mill and later as Preston Mill because of its position above Preston. John Streeter continued working the mill after its move, and in 1801 he undertook to supply five bushels of flour each day.
The mill worked with two pairs of millstones and an enclosed roundhouse. It was originally winded by hand using the tail pole, but a five-bladed fantail was later added. William Briggs worked the mill from 1839 to 1844 and probably afterwards.
James Trusler occupied the mill and bought it in 1866. He later let it to Edward Soughton and then to Jesse Hunnisett. Joseph Harris bought the mill in 1882 and removed parts of its machinery for his new Waterhall Mill at Patcham.
Preston Mill was pulled down around 1890. The site later became associated with garage use on Dyke Road.
Timeline
1801
Flour supply undertaking
John Streeter undertook to supply five bushels of flour each day from the mill.
1839–1844
William Briggs worked the mill
William Briggs worked Preston Mill during the early 1840s and probably after 1844.
1866
James Trusler bought the mill
James Trusler bought Preston Mill and later let it to other millers.
1882
Joseph Harris bought the mill
Joseph Harris bought the mill and later used parts of its machinery for Waterhall Mill.
1890
Mill pulled down
Preston Mill was pulled down around 1890.
Sources and records
Sussex Industrial Archaeology Society paper: Brighton Windmills
Sussex Mills Group windmill gazetteer
List of windmills in East Sussex
Sussex Mills Group windmill gazetteer
List of windmills in East Sussex