Moulton Mill - 3 April 1999 |
Grid Reference TF307240
This colossal tower mill has the distinction of being the largest surviving windmill not only in Lincolnshire, but in the whole country. It cannot claim to be the largest complete windmill, that honour falling to Sutton mill in Norfolk, which is 80 feet high to the top of its cap. Moulton mill however is 80 feet high to the curb and was originally about 97 feet high to the top of its ogee cap. It was built in about 1822 by Robert King. The sails were removed in 1895 after gale damage, when a steam mill with a two sack Turner roller milling plant was installed in the adjoining granary, steam power also being applied to the original stones. Serious milling ceased many years ago although a small roller mill and kibbler probably see occasional use. The main use of the mill now is as a store in connection with the grain merchant's business of Mr. Biggadike, whose family have owned the mill since 1924.
The tower is 28 feet 9 inches in diameter at ground level and 12 feet diameter at the curb, both internally. The basement contains the engine drive gearing which then ascends to the great spur wheel by way of a vertical shaft. The elevated ground floor is spacious enough to contain a proper partitioned miller's office.
The spur gearing differs from the usual Lincolnshire pattern in that the stone nuts are all iron, the great spur wheel having morticed wooden cogs. This arrangement is fine until a breakage, when the job of re-cogging would take several weeks. The spur wheel has an iron hub and rim, with eight radial wooden spokes. The cogs are of very fine pitch and are very wide, which must have given a very smooth drive. The engine drive engages the spur wheel by means of another small iron nut. The nuts are 12 inches in diameter and the great spur wheel is 8'9" in diameter.
The curb is a hexagonal. wooden frame built into the brickwork, with an iron track and an inward facing tooth ring, beneath which the centring wheels run. The cap frame is in poor condition but survives mostly intact apart from where the sheertrees have been cut off beyond the new roof (fitted in 1928 to replace the old ogee cap). The windshaft has gone but the tail bearing housing remains, as does the hand winding gear. Parts of the brakewheel also remain in the basement.
The mill had four double sided patent sails, which unusually for Lincolnshire were carried on stocks in a poll end. The fanstage was of the typical local type with the rear fly posts almost vertical. Apart from the loss of its windshaft and original roof, the mill is remarkably complete and is well cared for.
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