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Sussex Industrial History: Journal of the Sussex Industrial Archaeology Society, edited by Dr. Brian Austen, published 2009 (issue no. 39, Sussex Industrial History, ISSN: 0263-5151) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16389/39] Download PDF
Sussex Mills: Forward, by Peter Hill, published 2009 in Sussex Industrial History (issue no. 39, article, p.2, ISSN: 0263-5151) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16389/39] Download PDF
Abstract:It was in 1998 that the feasibility of the formation of a group of enthusiasts entirely devoted to the study, restoration and preservation of the mills of Sussex was first mooted. Now, as we approach the 21st anniversary of the formation of that Group, the invitation to write a foreword for this Journal gives me an opportunity to acknowledge the successes and achievements that have been made.
Windmill Sweeps in Sussex and Kent, by Michael Yates, published 2009 in Sussex Industrial History (issue no. 39, article, pp.3-12, ISSN: 0263-5151) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16389/39] Download PDF
Abstract:The windmill was once a very common sight in Sussex and Kent and over three hundred of them are recorded in photographs covering the period from the mid nineteenth century to the 1920s. We are all very aware that the sweeps of these were an extremely important part of the mill machinery and that a mill working with its full complement of sweeps is an object of great beauty and a potent reminder of a past now long gone.
Perhaps we are not so aware of the large variety of sweep designs that occur across the South East of England, a subject that is usually treated briefly in the published literature. For example, Martin Brunnarius, in his book The Windmills of Sussex, mentions variations such as common, single and double shutter spring and patent sweeps but rarely ventures into giving any details about their design. Rev. Peter Hemming, in Windmills in Sussex, gives only a brief mention of sweep types and William Coles Finch, in Watermills and Windmills, in his survey of Kent windmills, follows a similar pattern.
A detailed study of the 250 or so photographs that record the mills of Sussex and Kent as they were at the end of their working life shows many variations in sweep design and it is probable that over twenty different types existed. This paper attempts to detail these design features and considers the distribution of sweep types and compares and contrasts these on the three mill types, post, smock and tower, within and between the two counties. For interest, brief comparisons are made with windmills in Surrey and Norfolk. Consideration is also given as to whether local pockets of similar sweep design can be found indicating the influence of a local millwright.
Perhaps we are not so aware of the large variety of sweep designs that occur across the South East of England, a subject that is usually treated briefly in the published literature. For example, Martin Brunnarius, in his book The Windmills of Sussex, mentions variations such as common, single and double shutter spring and patent sweeps but rarely ventures into giving any details about their design. Rev. Peter Hemming, in Windmills in Sussex, gives only a brief mention of sweep types and William Coles Finch, in Watermills and Windmills, in his survey of Kent windmills, follows a similar pattern.
A detailed study of the 250 or so photographs that record the mills of Sussex and Kent as they were at the end of their working life shows many variations in sweep design and it is probable that over twenty different types existed. This paper attempts to detail these design features and considers the distribution of sweep types and compares and contrasts these on the three mill types, post, smock and tower, within and between the two counties. For interest, brief comparisons are made with windmills in Surrey and Norfolk. Consideration is also given as to whether local pockets of similar sweep design can be found indicating the influence of a local millwright.
Alfriston Tower Mill, by Bob Bonnett, published 2009 in Sussex Industrial History (issue no. 39, article, pp.13-14, ISSN: 0263-5151) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16389/39] Download PDF
Abstract:In the past Alfriston had two windmills. A post mill on the outskirts of the village is shown on the 1845 Tithe Map as is Alfriston Tower Mill, situated a quarter of a mile to the south west of Alfriston, which still remains. Two post mills, often mistaken for Alfriston mills, have stood on a site one mile to the south west of Alfriston: Berwick 'old' Mill blown down in a gale on 8 January 1735, and Berwick 'new' Mill destroyed by fire during a violent gale on 8 March 1881.
Earnley (Somerley) Windmill, by Michael J. Karn, published 2009 in Sussex Industrial History (issue no. 39, article, pp.15-21, ISSN: 0263-5151) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16389/39] Download PDF
Abstract:Earnley Mill, also known as Somerley Mill, lies within the hamlet of Somerley in Bell Lane (the B2198), at the northern end of the parish of Earnley at a point about five miles to the south-west of Chichester. The mill is a smock mill, typical of those constructed in and around the Manhood Peninsula a few years either side of 1800.
Isfield Water Mills, by Bob Bonnett, published 2009 in Sussex Industrial History (issue no. 39, article, pp.22-27, ISSN: 0263-5151) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16389/39] Download PDF
Abstract:Isfield is first mentioned in Domesday as Sifelle, although, a settlement was here before the Romans built their road from London to Lewes early in the second century. Perhaps a new hamlet grew at the place where the road crossed the River Ouse. The church is twelfth century and Isfield Place c.1600; therefore, with the Rivers Ouse and the Uck flowing through the parish, it is most probable that a corn mill was built here in the Middle Ages. A fulling mill is recorded in Isfield in 1558 (Sussex Archaeological Collections 116 (1978) 41).
Duncton Mill, by Ron Martin, published 2009 in Sussex Industrial History (issue no. 39, article, pp.28-35, ISSN: 0263-5151) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16389/39] Download PDF
Abstract:Duncton Mill is located at SU 9641 1662 in the parish of Duncton within a complex known as Duncton Mill Farm and owned by the Barlavington Estate. The farm comprises a farmhouse, a barn, a row of pig sties, an apple press and various other buildings as well as the mill. It is currently used as a conference centre and fish farm. Water to operate the mill comes from a small spring at the foot of the Downs, which flows northwards to meet the stream which runs from Lavington Park into Chingford Pond and thence into Burton Mill Pond, eventually to meet the western River Rother.