Restoration of listed windmill church
On Tuesday 24 August a new 30 foot tail post was craned into position on the historic windmill on Reigate Heath.
On Tuesday 24 August a new 30 foot tail post was craned into position on the historic windmill on Reigate Heath.
Dating back to at least 1765, the Grade II* windmill is one of the most well known landmarks in the borough. It is also thought to be the only windmill in the country which is a consecrated church.
Range of repairs
Over the last three weeks, Reigate & Banstead Borough Council, which owns the mill, has been undertaking a range of restoration works including repairing slats to the Vestry and Crown, and the whole structure has been given two coats of tar to weatherproof it.
Cllr Mike Miller, Executive Member for Planning, Transport and Housing, said: "The old tail post was showing signs of decay. The new one, carved from a specially selected Douglas Fir tree, has been made in the same style and will be fitted in the same way as the old one.
"The work is being carried out as part of our remit to maintain our historic buildings. Once the completed, Reigate Heath windmill will be a gleaming beacon on our sky line again."
A six foot length of the old tail post, used by the miller to turn the windmill into the wind before setting the sails, and its original peg workings will be going to the local Holmesdale Museum in Reigate.
Consecrated church
The post mill was purchased by Reigate & Borough Council in 1962 from Reigate Golf Club who were no longer able to maintain it.
The mill last worked by wind in April 1862. In 1880, the roundhouse was converted into a Chapel of Ease to St Mary's Parish Church. Services are still held in this tiny church during the summer months.
Open day
Cllr Miller added: "The work will be finished in time for the Heritage Open Days Weekend (9-12 September 2010) when the church will open to the public, along with many of the boroughs other hidden architectural gems."
Reigate Heath windmill will be open on Saturday 12 September from 10.00am to 4.00pm and on Sunday 13 September from 2.00pm to 4.00pm. There will be a special Heritage Service at 3.00pm on the Sunday.
Significant restoration was last carried out by the Council in 2002 including new sails and repairs to and strengthening of the mill structure. The restoration was awarded third place in the 2003 Green Apple Awards.
Last updated : 08/09/2010
