Ashton Windmill
Chapel Allerton, Somerset
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This 18th century flour mill stands on the "Isle of Wedmore", a ridge
giving commanding views of Cheddar Gorge, the Somerset Levels and Brent Knoll. A
windmill is mentioned on this site as far back as 1317. Although it last worked
in 1927, the mill has been carefully restored.
The first mill on the site was medieval, but the present structure probably
dates from the 18th century. It was modernised in 1900 with machinery brought
from the demolished Moorlinch mill, and iron hoops around the building being
added.
It was restored in 1967 and is now preserved, having been given to Bristol
City Museum in 1966 and is owned by Sedgemoor District Council, and
maintained by volunteers.
In 2008 the council applied for listed building planning consent to
undertake major restoration work on the windmill, including replacement of
the stone steps, installation of hand rails, guard rails and safety bars,
alterations to the window shutters and replacement of the sail frames with
wood laminate. |
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When we visited
This unusual small tower mill is able to be
visited at any time, there is no entry cost involved in looking at the outside.
There is plenty of room to photograph this mill and no evidence that this mill
is turned, so I would assume it normally sits looking in the same direction.
This is probably one of the easiest mills to
photograph being small, white with black sails and not cramped in by trees or
other obstacles.
Parking is available very near and access does
not require any climb.
Further information Grid
Planning Grid
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Location: |
Ashton Windmill, Chapel Allerton, Somerset |
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Grid Reference: |
ST 414503.
OS
Sheet - 182. |
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Getting there: |
Mill is
signposted off A38 between Lower Weare and Wedmore. |
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Access: |
No problems at any time |
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Parking: |
Off road parking provided, also lay-by nearby |
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Facilities: |
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Things To Do,
See and Photograph: |
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What to take: |
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Nature highlights: |
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Address: |
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Postcode: |
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Telephone: |
Jessica
Vale, Museums Officer
Sedgemoor District Council
01278 435399 |
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Opening times: |
Access to the outside is available at all times.
Easter to
September, Sundays & Bank Holidays, 14.30 to 16.30, also Wednesdays in July
& August, 14.30 - 16.30.
At other times by appointment. |
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Charges: |
Admission Free |
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Photo Restrictions: |
none |
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Other Restrictions: |
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Special Needs Access: |
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Special Needs Facilities: |
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Children Facilities: |
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Dogs Allowed: |
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CIN Page Ref: |
ashton |
Date Updated: 05/2008 |
Please let us know any other information that we
can add to the Further information and Planning Grids or page and any errors that you discover. Before making a long trip to any location it is always
wise to double check the current information, websites like magazines may be
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