Upminster Windmill

Information and pictures from their Newsletter

Upminster Windmill are in the process of renewing the reefing gallery and the cap.

During the summer, the timbers were cut and treated in Holland, before being painted and shipped to the UK. Installation was achieved in just two weeks and there is now a beautiful new reefing gallery. The framework for each of the eight straight sections was assembled on site and lifted into position. To ensure a good fit, the tapered wood for the eight corner sections was cut on site. The design of the gallery and its colour reflect the historical evidence rather than replicating unauthentic repairs made after the milling business closed in 1934.

Work to restore the mill’s cap has also continued.

The cap proved to be in a worse condition than was originally thought so additional repairs have been required. 

It is interesting to note how the curved shape of the roof is being achieved through the lamination of several thin pieces of timber.  The aim is to dismantle the cap frame and transport it to the UK by the end of the year and then to reassemble it immediately on the ground, covering it with tarpaulin.

If this goes to plan, the tarpaulin will be replaced by new weatherboarding in January though the cap will remain on the ground a little longer.

The remaining work includes the building of four new sails and the building or refurbishment of the brakewheel and wallower.  It is also intended  to remove the concrete floor that was added in the 1940s, replacing it with a wooden floor of the original design.