Great Bircham
Posted by: 
Norfolk12
N 52° 51.869 E 000° 36.763
31U E 339300 N 5859864
a privately owned working windmill
Waymark Code: WM309E
Location: United Kingdom
Date Posted: 01/19/2008
Views: 28
closed for the winter reopens in march
Today, very few windmills are left, and Bircham Mill is considered one of the best still remaining: it is the only windmill in working order in the area open to the public.
Visitors can climb the five floors up to the fan stage and, when possible, on windy days, visitors can also see the sails and the milling machinery turning.the views from the top are breath taking.
There are also many items of interest to see in the tearooms, bakery and grounds.
one of the best cream teas avavilable, the scones arre made on the premises, and you can either sit in the grounds or purchase to take away.
The windmill was built in 1846 and worked until the 1920s when the sails were removed and the tower abandoned. It was bought by the current owner in a very dilapidated state.Initially the two adjoining cottages were renovated. Then, because the mill was dangerous, with timber falling from the top, it was decided to put a new cap on and restoration began. The cap went up in 1979, followed by the sails in 1981. The interior of the mill was also restored, with three floors being completely replaced and all the machinery and stones gathered from farm sales and other derelict mills.The mill is now fully restored and in working order. Visitors can climb to the very top and go out on the fan deck.
A pictorial history of the windmills' restoration can be seen in the stable room.
Date of Manufacture: 01/01/1864
Purpose: Milling
Open to the public: yes
Is This Windmill Functional?: Yes!
Windmill Farm: no
Cost: 6.00 (listed in local currency)
Museum on Site: yes
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Visit Instructions:
When logging a VISIT to a windmill that has been Waymarked, please take a a photograph of the Windmill and provide a summary of your visit. In this way we can track changes to the mills over the years