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About this place
High Salvington Windmill is a restored post mill in High Salvington, a hilltop district above Worthing in West Sussex, southern England. Also called Durrington Mill or Salvington Mill, it is back in working order and is a rewarding stop for anyone interested in traditional milling or looking for a quiet landmark near the Sussex coast.
What is a post mill?
A post mill is the oldest European windmill design. The whole wooden body of the mill sits on a single massive upright post and can be turned around it, so the sails can face the wind. At High Salvington the entire building pivots, rather than just a cap on top as in later tower mills.
Why is the location important?
The mill stands about 98 m (320 ft) above sea level, which lets it catch the winds coming in from the sea. It is a Grade II listed building.
A short history
Church court records from 1615 mention a miller at Durrington, and a map of 1724 shows a mill near Mill Lane. The present structure is generally dated to around 1750, though sources differ on details. The mill ground flour until 1897 and went on making animal feed until 1905. In 1907 the old roundhouse was replaced by a concrete tea room, which served visitors for decades.
Rescue and restoration
Worthing Borough Council bought the mill in 1959 and carried out a first renovation in 1961. After gale damage in 1976, the High Salvington Mill Trust was formed to undertake a full restoration. The work continued until 1991 and returned the mill to its 19th-century appearance and working condition.
How does it work?
Inside, two pairs of millstones are arranged one behind the other. They are driven by a renewed brake wheel and the original tail wheel, so the mill can grind grain much as it did in the past.
A myth debunked
An old leaflet claimed the main post was a living oak tree. Mill historian Rex Wailes refuted this in an article on common windmill fallacies.
Frequently asked questions
Does the windmill really work? Yes. It has been restored and is in working order, with grinding resumed after the restoration finished in 1991.
Where is it? In High Salvington, on high ground above Worthing, West Sussex, at roughly 50.8486 N, 0.4066 W.
What other names does it go by? Look for Durrington Mill and Salvington Mill as well.
Who will enjoy it? Anyone who likes industrial heritage, local history, or short outings around Worthing. Check opening times before you go, as they can change.
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