Wicken Mill: The Windiest Windmill in Great Britain
A Working Flour Mill Competes for the Title of Windiest Windmill in the UK
A historic flour mill in Cambridgeshire has set sail in an international competition to become the windiest windmill in Great Britain. Wicken Mill, near Soham, has been counting the number of sail revolutions it completes each year, and it has landed in seventh place, the highest ranking for a British mill in the 21-mill bout. But here's where it gets interesting: despite its impressive performance, the millers are already planning to climb the leaderboard this year, aiming to surpass the 100,000 revolutions mark.
The mill, built in 1813, has a fascinating history. It was closed in 1933 but was meticulously restored from 1987 by millwrights from the Wicken Windmill Partnership. Kelvin Law, the miller and amateur millwright, explains, "We need to mill as often as we can to generate income and maintain this wonderful building and machinery. It's a major privilege to be involved with such a unique and special place."
What sets Wicken Mill apart is its commitment to traditional methods. Unlike some mills that use electric motors, Wicken Mill relies solely on the wind. Law adds, "We prefer to do it the traditional way, even though some mills use electric motors for convenience."
The mill's success in the competition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the team behind it. With customers ranging from commercial outlets in Northamptonshire to home bakers, Wicken Mill is not just a historic landmark but also a thriving business. So, will Wicken Mill sail ahead and claim the title of the windiest windmill in Great Britain? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: it's a mill with a story to tell and a future to look forward to.
