Have you ever wondered why Windmill, at Trevone, got its name? Easy because of the windmill! However, what you might not know is that the windmill was first built in the 17th Century. It was intended to be used as a grinding mill for grain for the local farms but was never completed due to another water powered grinding mill being built about half a mile away. This alternative water mill, at Treator, was preferred because it could work constantly and not just when the wind blows. In the mid 20th Century the tower at Windmill had a water tank added on top to serve the surrounding area with better water pressure.
Frank W Gregory, a leading expert on vernacular buildings, mills and milling in the UK, took this image of the updated windmill and water tower in 1956. In comparison I made this image in 2018 of the same tower and water tank, showing the effects of time and now covered in ivy.
- Frank W Gregory Collection