What is the history of the mill?

These pages have been constructed to present a history of Orwell Mill, Barrington (as far as we know it) and provides some pictures and newspaper articles and video clips/ archive material that we have collected together from various sources (eg The Cambridgeshire Collection, Cambridge Library). It is very much a work in progress and more information will be added as and when we obtain it.

The current windmill began operating on 17th September 1822. We know this because of an inscription on the inside wall of the mill.

From various sources researched so far, we have established the following timeline of developments at the mill:

1600s    Original windmill???

We believe that the current mill on the site was a reconstruction because, in a record from the Weatherley Hundred for Barrington (http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=66684) it states that 'A windmill, in 1604 lately erected by William Totnam, was probably identical with that standing west of the village, which was reconstructed in 1822 and in use in the 1890s...'

This is confirmed, or at least mostly cross-referenced, by the publication 'Cam or Rhee' produced by members of the Barrington Local History and Conservation Society, which (p43) records a reference to "Orwell Windmill" now converted to a house, was built in 1822 and was used until about 1890. An earlier mill on the site was built by William Trotman in 1604.'

We consider it quite likely the names Totnam and Trotman are one and the same. In fact, it is possible that the names Totnam and Trotman are derivations of the name Tottenham - an online history of the Tottenham family name (https://www.stirnet.com/genie/data/british/tt/tottenham1.php) records a 'William Tottenham ( -1600) of Barrington, Cambridgeshire'. One and the same???

Another twist in the tail of the origins of the windmill came about more recently, when the will of a Nicholas Butler (1601) from Orwell was transcribed by a distant relative and had the following phrase "Concerning my landes I will bequeath all those messuages landed tenements and hereditaments now in the tenure and occupation of me the said Nicholas in Orwell , Wimpole or in either of them in the said countie of Cambridge and all that my windmill and the selion  whereupon the said windmill standeth in the parish of Barington" Title: Will of Nicholas Butler of Orwell, Cambridgeshire. Catalogue reference: PROB 11/98/333

Whether the windmill mentioned is the original one, a different one, or if there is a link between Nicholas Butler and William Tottenham, we'll probably never know.

 1822    (Re) Construction and operation

Originally known as Orwell Mill, operation as a working mill started 17th September 1822 (according to inscription on base stone in the mill and cross-referenced in other documentation).

1895    Still in operation...

Described as having two pairs of stones, a flour machine, sack tackle and a rigger for use with a portable steam engine. Fitted with single–shuttered clockwise sails and topped with a red-painted ogee cap with a weathercock.

1925    No longer in use

Recorded as derelict. In a 1961 newspaper article it says ‘the mill has remained idle for 50 years’, so it is possible it fell into disuse from around 1910 onwards as coal and steam engines gradually replaced wind-powered energy.

1939    Romantic dereliction

Painted by Karl Wood. Painting currently resides in the Lincoln Gallery.

WWII    Removal of machinery

Machinery removed, dismantled and used for scrap metal.

1960    Purchase for residential development

Anthony O’Sullivan purchases the derelict Windmill from a local farmer (Mr Septimus Prime) and begins conversion into a house. This involves removing the sails and dome, and adding an ‘inappropriate’ crenellation on top. 

1964    The 'Barrington Bird Farm'

Tony O’Sullivan starts Barrington Bird Farm, which at one time has up to 6,000 exotic birds on site, and also breeds seals in a special pool area further down the property.

1969    Sale of the Windmill house conversion

Tony O’Sullivan puts the Windmill conversion up for sale and closes the ‘Barrington Bird Farm’

1975    New owners

Bob and Sue Tydeman purchase the property. Undertake further conversions to make property more liveable / bring it up to date.

The Windmill Stables Riding School is run here from the 1980s to mid-1990s

2012    New owners

Ben and Rowena Gardiner purchase the Windmill from the Tydemans, continuing to update and preserve the windmill's heritage for future generations.