North Leverton Windmill was first built in 1813. Originally it started by being a very low tower to enable the common sails to have the cloth put on from the ground. Each sail was turned round to the bottom in turn. A major refit in 1884 lifted the tower several feet, and new patent sails and working parts were fitted into the cap now at it's higher present level. The three-storied mill is built of brick and coated with tar to keep out the weather. It is surmounted by a wooden, ogee-shaped cap, the usual type for the East Midlands. Projecting through an opening in the cap is the wind shaft, tilted slightly upwards so that the four sails at its end can catch the wind. On the opposite side of the cap is the fantail. Beneath it hangs the control chain and rod. Adjacent to the mill is a warehouse. The building of the warehouse was only possible after the lifting of the tower in 1884. Just across a small garden is the miller's cottage, built low so that the wind is not prevented from reaching the mill sails. After long periods of calm weather, with grain waiting to be ground, the miller has had to work non-stop several nights and days. This made it necessary for his home to be near his work, meals often being consumed in the mill.

In the garden are several examples of millstones including the french stone used to grind white flour. These illustrate the different patterns that are cut in order to disperse the grain when the stones are turning. The lower stone of a pair of millstones is always stationary and is called the "bedstone"; the upper stone, or "running stone", revolves. The distance between the two can be adjusted on order to regulate the size of the meal required. (info from North Leverton windmill guide, credits and thanks to all involved)

Incidentally, the mill stands in the village of North Leverton with Habblesthorpe, which is the longest village name in England!I can understand why the locals simply call it "Leverton"

The windmill and cottage are Grade 2 listed buildings.

GB0NLW is an amateur radio special event station, organised each year by Rob Denton G4YRZ a local radio amateur, for and on behalf of Denby Dale Amateur Radio Society, the Society for protection of Ancient Buildings, National Mills Day on the Air and the people of Nottinghamshire. It was first operated in 1998 with the help of North Notts. Amateur Radio Society (thanks Tony and Andrew)

Special thanks to Mr. Keith Barlow for use of the mill and the Jones family in the nearby windmill cottage for putting up with us, and giving their help.

 

 

North Leverton Windmill