TQ3074 : Ashby's Windmill
taken 6 years ago, near to Brixton, Lambeth, England
Ashby's Mill, often referred to as simply Brixton Windmill, is a restored grade II* listed Link tower mill in Brixton.
It was built in 1816 and worked by wind until 1862, when the business was transferred to a watermill at Mitcham on the River Wandle. The sails were removed in 1864 and the windmill was relegated to use as a store. In 1902, the lease on the watermill expired and a steam engine was installed in the windmill. This was later replaced by a gas engine. The windmill was worked by engine until 1934, and supplied wholemeal flour to West End hotels and restaurants.
After the war, there were proposals to demolish the mill and build a block of flats. The proposal was rejected and it was decided to conserve the mill, which was restored in 1964. Following restoration, the mill was opened to the public in 1968. The mill passed to Lambeth Council in 1971 and remains in their ownership.
The Friends of Windmill Gardens had been formed in April 2003 with the aim of restoring the windmill and surrounding area as a public amenity. The restored mill was officially opened to the public on 2 May 2011.
Listed buildings and structures are officially designated as being of special architectural, historical or cultural significance. There are over half a million listed structures in the United Kingdom, covered by around 375,000 listings.
Listed status is more commonly associated with buildings or groups of buildings, however it can cover many other structures, including bridges, headstones, steps, ponds, monuments, walls, phone boxes, wrecks, parks, and heritage sites, and in more recent times a road crossing (Abbey Road) and graffiti art (Banksy 'Spy-booth') have been included.
In England and Wales there are three main listing designations;
Grade I (2.5%) - exceptional interest, sometimes considered to be internationally important.
Grade II* (5.5%) - particularly important buildings of more than special interest.
Grade II (92%) - nationally important and of special interest.
There are also locally listed structures (at the discretion of local authorities) using A, B and C designations.
In Scotland three classifications are also used but the criteria are different. There are around 47,500 Listed buildings.
Category A (8%)- generally equivalent to Grade I and II* in England and Wales
Category B (51%)- this appears generally to cover the ground of Grade II, recognising national importance.
Category C (41%)- buildings of local importance, probably with some overlap with English Grade II.
In Northern Ireland the criteria are similar to Scotland, but the classifications are:
Grade A (2.3%)
Grade B+ (4.7%)
Grade B (93%)
Read more at Wikipedia Link
There are three main types of windmill in Great Britain. Post mills, smock mills and tower mills.
The tower mill is generally the largest of the three, built in brick with a pivoting wooden top and sails, turned by a tail fan.
Windmill article Link