Windmill Types and Uses

The windmill was at the height of its development in the mid to latter part of the 19th century but declined very rapidly with the introduction of steam power and cheap wheat imports. All Dorset windmills were small and primitive in nature.

There are three basic types of windmill that have existed in Dorset since the earliest times.

Post Mill :

This is the earliest type of windmill that was developed and probably first appeared in 12th century England. In its earliest form, it was rather crude with a simple upright post with a rotating housing containing the millstones. The support of the post was a major problem but gradually techniques were improved. Supporting cross trees were introduced, initially underground but finally on piers above ground to prevent timber decay.

Almost all historic windmills in Dorset were probably Post mills - sadly none survive and no archaeology relating to them has been discovered as yet.

Tower Mill

As the name suggests this is a stone tower with a rotating cap which contains the windshaft that is turned by the sails. Early mills were manually turned using the projecting rear tailpole. They first appeared in Northern France c1290 with the earliest in England at Dover Castle c1295.

The only Tower mills in Dorset are the remaining towers at Easton on Portland

There was a modern replica Porteguese tower mill built at Cann in the C20th but this has now been demolished

Smock Mill

A smock mill is essentially similar to a tower mill but made wholly of timber. It has a rotating cap containing the windshaft turned by the sails. These were a later development and turning of the cap was usually achieved by an endless chain and gear arrangement. It would appear that the only known smock mill in Dorset existed at West Butts Shore in Poole in the C19th. This type of mill construction was probably chosen as it was built on or near mudflats adjoining Poole harbour.

Below, a few pages from my Powerpoint talk on Dorset Windmills :