Bidston, Merseyside
Tower Mill - brick built with sails.
The current Bidston Windmill was built on Bidston Hill on the Wirral
Peninsula, Merseyside, in about 1800 and continued working as a flour mill
until 1875.
It is believed that there has been a windmill on this site since 1596. This
brick built tower mill replaced a wooden 'peg' mill that was destroyed by
fire in 1793. The mill is ideally placed to catch the wind, but difficult to
access by cart.
In this style of windmill the top or 'cap' could be turned so that the sails
would face the wind, from whichever direction it was blowing. You can still
see the large wooden chain-wheel which was used to slowly turn the roof
around by a rack and gear system.
The councils website on the mill gives a more detailed history and a detailed
diagram as to how it worked.
council website
Tam O'Shanter Cottage & Bidston Observatory are
also on Bidston Hill.
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