Holgate mills grain again

It was a momentous occasion at Holgate Windmill, near York, yesterday, as they milled grain for the first time since 1933. Their millwright Tom supervised the event as the millstones were driven with a new electric motor.

Holgate Windmill was built in 1770 and was grinding corn until about 1933. It is a Grade II listed building and is a very rare type of windmill, as it has five sails, a fantail and is also double shuttered.

Restoration started in 2006, and the installation of the electric motor to drive the stones is the latest phase. The fantail was lifted into place in early July, and the sails should be ready soon.

Congratulations to our friends at Holgate on their progress – we look forward to seeing another fully restored windmill soon!