The Windmill at Haigh

Image: © David Dixon Taken: 2 May 2013

Haigh Windmill (actually a wind pump) was built in the 1840s. It is a Grade II listed building (http://www.britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/en-402593-windmill-haigh- British Listed Buildings) due to its special historic and architectural interest, It was built to pump water from the ponds in the adjacent fields uphill to John Sumner & Company's Haigh Brewery which was located behind the Balcarres Arms public house. Although steam power was already heavily used at the time, Lord Crawford objected to having another smoky chimney near Haigh Hall and so the pollution free alternative was built in the form of the windmill. The windmill, which has been unused for more than 100 years, is the only standing windmill left in the Greater Manchester area and is considered to be an important heritage feature. Lottery funding has assisted with the cost of restoration; damaged brickwork has been repaired and the tower has been re-pointed using a traditional lime mortar. Damaged sails have been removed and replaced with new ones based on the original design (http://www.wigan.gov.uk/News/WindMill.htm Wigan Council). Adapted from an information board near the site.

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