Windmills of Hertfordshire: A Historical Survey of Mill Locations
The landscape of Hertfordshire was once dotted with wind-powered mills, essential engines of local industry that processed grain for centuries. From the early medieval period through the industrial era, these structures evolved in design and scale to harness the wind more efficiently. This survey documents the locations, types, and lifespans of these historic mills, providing a glimpse into the region's agricultural heritage.
Types of Windmills
To understand the historical record, it is important to distinguish between the different architectural styles of mills mentioned in the records:
- Post Mill: The earliest type of European windmill, where the entire body of the mill rotates on a central vertical post to face the wind.
- Smock Mill: A mill where only the cap rotates, featuring a sloping, weather-boarded tower that resembles a farmer's smock.
- Tower Mill: A more permanent structure with a brick or stone tower and a rotating cap, offering greater stability and height.
- Sunk Post Mill: A variation of the post mill where the main post is set into a pit for added stability.
ไม่มีภาพประกอบ
Key Facts
- The earliest recorded mentions of milling in the region date back to the 12th century, such as in Cromer (1192).
- Post mills were the most prevalent type across Hertfordshire throughout the 17th and 18th centuries.
- Many mills were lost to fire, with notable examples in Buntingford (1889), Hitchin (1838, 1875), and Stevenage (1878, 1895).
- Some mills were relocated rather than demolished, such as the Wallfield mill in Hertford, which moved to Essex in 1740.
- The transition from post mills to tower and smock mills became more apparent in the 19th century.
Detailed Mill Records by Location
The following data tracks the emergence and demise of mills across various Hertfordshire towns and villages. The records include grid references for precise location and dates of first mention or construction.
Albury and Aldbury
Albury featured multiple post mills in the 18th century, with one lasting until 1766. Later, the Patmore Heath Mill, a tower mill built in 1862, stood until its demolition in April 1921. In Aldbury, a post mill site was identified as recently as 1972 via cropmarks, while another was recorded as early as 1364.
Anstey and Ashwell
Anstey's Lincoln Hill Mill was a long-standing post mill (1675–1920). Ashwell saw a variety of types, including the post-style Fordham's Mill and Slip End Mill, and the smock-style Kitchener's Mill, which operated between 1822 and 1877.
Barkway and Buntingford
Barkway's Rokey Mill provides a clear example of technological evolution, starting as a post mill (1595–1766) and being replaced by a smock mill (1818–1898). Buntingford's Layston mill was a prominent post mill from 1720 until it burnt down in September 1889.
Hitchin and St Albans
Hitchin was a significant hub for milling. It hosted numerous post mills, including Rawlins Mill and Walsworth Mill, and later the tower-style Charlton Mill (c. 1838–1894). St Albans also maintained several post mills, such as the Bernard Heath and Cunningham Hill mills, most of which disappeared by the mid-18th century.
Stevenage and Tring
Stevenage's Corey's Mill was a durable post mill from 1593 until it burnt down in 1878. Tring's industrial profile included the tower mills of Gamnel Wharf (demolished 1911) and Goldfield/Grover's Mill.
ไม่มีภาพประกอบ
Summary of Notable Mill Sites
| Location | Mill Name/Ref | Type | First Mention/Built | Demise/Last Mention |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albury | Patmore Heath | Tower | 1862 | 1921 |
| Anstey | Lincoln Hill | Post | 1675 | 1920 |
| Barkway | Rokey Mill | Smock | 1818 | 1898 |
| Buntingford | Layston | Post | 1720 | 1889 |
| Hitchin | Charlton Mill | Tower | c. 1838 | 1894 |
| Stevenage | Corey's Mill | Post | 1593 | 1878 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which was the most common type of mill in Hertfordshire?
Based on the records, the post mill was the most common type, appearing frequently across almost every location from the medieval period through the 19th century.
What were the primary causes of mill demise?
Many mills were lost to fire (such as those in Buntingford and Stevenage) or were systematically demolished as technology advanced or the structures became obsolete.
Are there any examples of mills being moved?
Yes. The Wallfield mill in Hertford was moved to Moreton, Essex, in 1740, and the High Wych Mill in Sawbridgeworth was moved to Little Dunmow, Essex, in 1875.
How far back do the milling records in this region go?
Some of the earliest mentions date back to the 12th and 13th centuries, with Cromer recorded in 1192 and Sandon in 1222.
What is the difference between a smock mill and a tower mill?
A smock mill has a wooden, sloping frame (resembling a smock), whereas a tower mill is constructed from heavier materials like brick or stone.