Polegate Windmill
Eastbourne, Sussex
copied-
Polegate Windmill
Polegate Tower Mill was built in 1817 for local farmer and landowner Joseph
Seymour. Sixteen years later a watermill was built nearby and the two worked
side by side. By 1860 both were owned by Matthias Mockett and they then passed
into the Thomas family.
Ephraim Ovenden, father of the last Miller of Polegate, bought them in 1918
and he, and his son Albert, worked them both. Ephraim died in 1958 but Albert
continued until he retired in 1964. By this time the windmill had the benefit of
electricity and wind was no longer the driving force for the Mill. The mill was
then in danger of being lost but the Eastbourne and District Preservation
Society had just been formed and came to the rescue. Money was raised by public
appeal and the mill was purchased. Much of the mill was complete and in good
working order but the cap, stocks, sweeps and fanstaging were all renewed.
Unfortunately, there was no saving of the watermill and it was eventually
demolished in 1976.
The windmill was officially reopened by the Duke of Devonshire on 1st July
1967 and, with its museum of milling bygones, is visited by thousands of people
every year. Over the years the mill has been open to the public, repairs and
renewals have become necessary. In July 1974 one of the stocks fell into the
road, breaking one sweep and damaging another. These were replaced by
millwrights at a cost of £1800. The nearby malthouse has a new roof complete
with an authentic cowl and new staging has been erected. The iron curb has been
repaired and the wooden seating has been replaced so that the cap is now able to
revolve on top of the tower. However the Windmill is still not fully restored
and work is continuing as funds become available to complete it.
The Mill is owned by the Eastbourne Civic Society but much of the fund
raising is carried out by the Friends of Polegate Windmill. The Mill is open to
the public every Sunday from Easter to the end of October from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
(longer on Special Event Days) and also Wednesday afternoons in August. Your
interest and support will make possible the continued existence and enjoyment of
the Windmill.
see also
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ovenden%27s_Mill%2C_Polegate
Further information Grid
Planning Grid
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Location: |
Polegate Windmill, Eastbourne, Sussex |
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Grid Reference: |
TQ 582041.
OS Sheet - 199. |
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Getting there: |
West of
A2271, at Park Croft, Polegate. 4 miles north of Eastbourne, ½ mile south of
junction with A27. |
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Address: |
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Telephone: |
Lawrence
Stevens 01323 734496
Parties
Frances Muncey
01323 644727 |
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Opening times: |
Easter to
October, Sundays & Bank Holidays, also Wednesdays in August, 14.00 - 17.00.
Other times by appointment. National Mills Sunday 11.00 – 17.00. |
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