Wheatley Windmill

This is a mid-18th century windmill, located on Windmill Lane in Wheatley. Constructed of limestone rubble with squared quoins, the windmill has an octagonal plan. The three-story tower features openings on four sides at each level, each with a brick segmental arch and a stone keyblock. The stonework has been extensively patched with brickwork. Originally topped with an ogee copper-clad cap, this has now been dismantled. The interior retains much of the original structure and machinery, including a windshaft boss cast with “EAGLE FOUNDRY 1784.” A drive shaft remains, which served an external ochre-grinding mill. The windmill was rebuilt around 1763 following a fire and ceased operation in 1914. It was damaged by lightning in 1939, which destroyed the cap and sails. It is reportedly one of only three windmills remaining in the county.