Historic windmill transformed with new sails

A 200-year-old windmill has been adorned with new sails which will allow it to mill flour for the first time in two years.

The Wilton Windmill, near Marlborough in Wiltshire, was built in 1821 and is Grade II* listed. Since 2024, it has been standing with just two sails after its wooden structures began to rot.

Now repairs have been completed, the windmill will soon become unique in the Wessex region for being the only working windmill to produce flour.

Ian Thorn, leader of Wiltshire Council, thanked everyone involved with the "extraordinary" transformation of the "wonderful" structure. "A windmill without sails isn't a windmill at all," he said.

The Wilton Windmill stretches five floors and is located on a chalk ridge near the villages of Wilton and Great Bedwyn.

It is owned by Wiltshire Council and managed by a group of volunteers who are part of the Wilton Windmill Society, which formed in 1976.

Peter Wilson, chairman of the society, said it was the first time the sails had been replaced since 1975.

The retired army officer said the windmill may return to milling flour as early as next week.

"We just need to get some grain now," Wilson said. "I've spoken to the local farmer David Lemon who might have some which is suitable... not all grain is suitable for milling for flour.

"We are going to try a couple of bags as early as next week. We just need to find a windy day and give it a go."

People will be able buy the Wilton Windmill flour from a shepherd's hut on site on Sundays or from local shops, such as the Great Bedwyn Post Office.

Previously, the remaining sails on the windmill were positioned upwards in a mourning position in memory of Peter Lemon, former president of the society.

One sail being in the 12:00 position indicated "a life just passed", Wilson previously said.

A spokesperson for Wiltshire Council said the work had been carefully designed to respect the windmill's historic character, "ensuring Wilton Windmill can continue to be enjoyed by residents and visitors for generations to come".

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