Downfield Windmill, Windmill Close, Downfields, Soham

Image: © Jo and Steve Turner Taken: 23 Jun 2017

Grade II* Listed windmill originally built 1726, raised on a brick base in 1860 and much rebuilt after a storm in 1889. The mill was reportedly one of many built by 'Fysons'. During the 1700s it passed through the hands of the Dobadee, Staples and Jugg families. Also known as Pollards Mill The Sheldrick family ran the mill from 1896 and finally the Pollards from 1931. One pair of sails was removed in 1946 and it continued working under wind power until 1958 when the cap jammed and the fantail was blown off. It continued to operate for a few years with tractor power. Described in 1973 as in poor condition it was purchased by Nigel Moon and was restored again to working order between 1975 and 1980, working until the late 1990s. It suffered massive storm damage in January and February of 2001 and was placed on the English Heritage Buildings At Risk list in 2011. The mill was finally awarded £100,000 by English Heritage in May 2012 to help restore it to its former glory. In 2017 it was open by arrangement only, plus National Mills Weekend and TEAMS open weekend in September.

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