DOWNFIELDS WINDMILL

Windmill Close, Soham, Cambridgeshire, CB7 5BG
Tel: 01353 720333

Downfields Windmill, also known as Pollards Mill, was a smock Mill first erected circa 1726, raised on a brick base in 1860, and rebuilt as a tower-mill after a storm in 1890. The need to re-use the machinery and other parts may well explain the odd profile adopted - an octagonal tower almost vertical for two floors and then tapering more sharply. The windshaft is cast iron, other gearing is timber, but the main shaft has a cast-iron extension. The sails drive the three pairs of stones and a dresser. The ogee cap is metal sheeted and it has two patent sails and a fantail at present. It is a working mill and produces flour which can be purchased direct from the millers.

Soham once had many more Windmills, most of which were relied on to lift water and maintain levels before the advent of the steam pumping engines in the late 19th century. Some of these windmills had been in existence since the early 18th century. They must have presented an inspiring view on the approach to Soham. The corn mills outlived their counterparts. Unfortunately, all but the remaining two had been demolished before the 1960's.

 Future may Grind to a Halt for Damaged Windmill

The future of a historic windmill is in doubt after it was revealed that restoration would cost £100,000. Downfield Windmill in Fordham Road, Soham, has been placed on the English Heritage Buildings At Risk register, the annually published list which aims to identify buildings at risk through neglect and decay, or vulnerable to becoming so. The mill, previously in working order, was opened as a tourist attraction until it suffered massive storm damage in January and February of 2001. It was also damaged in a storm back in 1889 and rebuilt, but this time there is not the financial backing to restore the 18th Century listed building. Gaynor Roberts, of English Heritage, said: "Two of the sails were lost in the storm as well as the fan sails. The other two sails are in bad condition, not to mention the brick work and windows. Architects have reported that to repair the windmill would cost around £100,000. "The building is eligible for grant aid but there are many other buildings to consider as well. However, there is no reason as to why Downfield Windmill shouldn't be up and running again in the future." The part-occupied, privately owned windmill is among the top eight per cent of the most important buildings in the country. The mill, also known as Pollards Mill, was originally built in 1726. Ina Kite has owned the windmill since 1996. Her son Andrew said: "It's certainly one of the oldest and most unusual buildings in the county and was open all year round to the public and school parties. "An anonymous donor gave £500 last year towards the reservation of the building but there is still a long way to go. The problem now is not just financial but finding skilled workmen for the job." Mr Kite added: "I think that people would rally around it more if it was up for demolition but as it stands people aren't that interested in its restoration."