Join us for a talk about the history and recent restoration of Bourn Windmill, one of the oldest windmills in England, which is owned and cared for by local charity, Cambridge Past, Present and Future.
Sited on high ground in the countryside of west Cambridgeshire, the windmill has been in existence since at least 1636 when it first appears in the records. It may be even older, as scientific analysis has revealed that the tree used to make the central post was felled a century earlier. The importance of the mill is reflected in its designation as a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England. This little mill provides a fascinating link across time to our early industrial history and has a big story to tell.
Unfortunately, an inspection in 2020 highlighted serious structural issues but thanks to the support of Historic England and the work of mill volunteers, a restoration project rolled into action and the windmill should now survive for many more years.
The illustrated talk will cover the history of the mill, its recent restoration and also look at the wider context of the milling industry over the centuries to modern day mills.
The presentation will be given by volunteers Kate Armstrong and Graham Bruce who share chairmanship duties at the mill. Karen has been a volunteer since she moved into the old miller’s cottage, with the Bourn Windmill in the grounds, 30 years ago. Over the past two years she has actively fundraised for the restoration, even hosting tea parties in her own gardens next to the mill. Graham Bruce worked in the flour milling industry for 35 years in production and mill management roles. In 1995 he was moved to Spillers Cambridge Mill and started living in Bourn. A chance meeting with the then chairman of the windmill volunteers ensured he was duly roped in once his background came to light!
The talk will take place in the Pye Building at Cambridge Museum of Technology. Entrance on the night is via the Museum’s Cheddars Lane gate.
There will be free light refreshments courtesy of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMECHE)
Tickets for the talk are available on the door for £5 a head, £3 for students. Members and Volunteers of Cambridge Museum of Technology can attend for free.
Cambridge Industrial Archaeology group organises a programme of talks on industrial heritage at Cambridge Museum of Technology. Talks usually take place at 7.30pm on the second Monday of each month. For further information about Cambridge Industrial Archaeology Group contact Robin Chandler robin.chandler@btinternet.com
Cambridge Museum of Technology is the home of Cambridge’s industrial heritage. For further information on the Museum contact Nick Plaister nick.plaister@museumoftechnology.com
For more information about Bourn Windmill Bourn Windmill | Cambridge Past, Present and Future (cambridgeppf.org)