Landmark windmill reopens after 9-month refurbishment
A DERBYSHIRE landmark that dates back more than 200 years has officially reopened after lengthy repair works.
Heage Windmill, the last stonebuilt six-sailed windmill in Britain, was initially given an estimated 11-week timeframe to complete the refurbishment back in July, which included removing and re-fitting all of its sails.
The sails were installed once again back in November, causing much excitement among locals and the and building itself has since undergone extensive repairs.
On Saturday, April 13, around 120 guests attended the official opening of the mill, which was built in 1797.
Among the guests was William Cavendish, Earl of Burlington, who arrived at the wheel of a 1947 Fordson tractor, owned by John Allsop.
Lord Burlington, who is a former high sheriff of Derbyshire and chancellor of the University of Derby, thanked the many individuals and organisations who have supported the work carried out by the volunteers.
Having cut the ribbon and being presented with a special bag of stone-ground flour milled at Heage, Lord Burlington, along with his son, James, took a tour of the windmill.
Guests were also kept entertained throughout the opening by the Amber Band and the Makeney Mor
Heage Windmill is maintained and operated by a team of dedicated volunteers throughout the year. It is open to the public every weekend and bank holiday Monday from the beginning of April to the end of October and offers free parking to visitors of the site.
It is also along the Amber Valley
Circular Walk (route five), a series of footpaths around the region that connects the villages and towns in the area, with one of the footpaths running adjacent to the windmill.
Heage Windmill is among several mills in Derbyshire that will be taking part on the National Mills Weekend May 11 and 12. The weekend is organised by The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB).
The SPAB says with so many mills across the UK facing uncertain futures, it’s more important than ever to celebrate our milling heritage. With local authorities under financial pressure, many publicly owned mills face being sold off, meaning the public may no longer be able to visit them and see their historic machinery in action.
To celebrate National Mills Weekend, Heage Windmill will offering guided tours. Nunsfield House amateur radio group will be there contacting other mills around the world. It is open 11am-4pm.
Other mills open include Stainsby Mill, on the banks of the Doe Lea river. It has been part of the Derbyshire countryside for over 800 years and is now part of the Hardwick estate. Explore the mill yourself or join a guided tour. Visit for free on May 11 and 12, 11am-3pm.
Cromford Mills, the world’s first successful water-powered cotton spinning mill, is also open on Saturday and Sunday, May 11 and 12, from 10-5pm with free entry.
And Masson Mills, will be celebrating the publication of ‘The Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site - A Photographic Record’. It will be open on Saturday, May, 11 from 11-4pm. Entry to the visitors’ centre is free but there is a guided tour at 1.30pm, costing £11.