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About this place
Portland Windmills are two disused stone towers on the Isle of Portland in Dorset, on England's south coast. They worked as windmills from at least the early 17th century and are among the most interesting reminders of the island's working past.
What are the Portland Windmills?
They are the remains of two tower mills. The towers are relatively short and have conical caps. They stand roughly 135 metres apart, so both can be seen on one short walk. Local records know them as Cottonfield's Mill and Top Growland's Mill, and both are catalogued under the village of Easton.
Where are they?
The mills sit on the Isle of Portland, south of Easton village and east of Weston village, at about 50.541 N, 2.437 W. The island is tied to the mainland and known for Portland stone, so mills built of local stone suit the setting.
What is their history?
The mills were in use from at least the early 17th century, and some sources give 1608 as the date of construction. The heritage listing describes the structure as probably 17th century. One tower, built of rubble stone, has lost its roof and is recorded as one of only two surviving mills on the island. It also appears on the Hutchins map of 1710, which shows it was part of the landscape long before the industrial age.
Why do they matter?
Since September 1978 each tower has been a separate Grade II listed monument. They are also the only historic windmill remains to survive anywhere in Dorset. For anyone interested in the history of technology, it is a rare chance to see two mills of the same era so close together.
Who will enjoy it?
- fans of industrial architecture and milling history,
- photographers looking for strong, simple shapes against the sky,
- visitors exploring Portland and the nearby villages of Easton and Weston.
Frequently asked questions
Are the windmills still working? No. Both towers are disused and no longer grind grain.
How many windmills are there? Two, about 135 metres apart.
Are they protected? Yes. Each tower has been Grade II listed since September 1978.
How old are they? They have been used as mills since at least the early 17th century, and some sources point to 1608.
Where exactly are they? On the Isle of Portland in Dorset, south of Easton and east of Weston.
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