Restoration of Berkswell Windmill continues with installation of new roof

Very carefully, the 11-ton roof of a historic windmill is winched into place, marking a major milestone in a West Midlands restoration project.

The sails at Berkswell Windmill are due to be fitted early next year, as part of a five-year project to bring the 185-year-old mill back to its former Georgian glory.

It is being overseen by The Friends of the Berkswell Windmill, which formed a charitable trust to part-fund the project.

It is hoped the mill will be grinding corn and open to the public by the summer.

Jeanette McGarry, who has owned the Grade II-listed building near Balsall Common with her husband since 2004, said: “The cap, or roof, has been returned. The mill is now water-tight and ready for winter.”

She added: “Windmills are just magical. So many people said ‘you could turn that into a really nice house’, but that would be sacrilegious. It will be fantastic when it’s finished.”

The 40-ft tall mill is the only one in the West Midlands with its original all-wooden machinery still in place.

It was built in 1826 on the site of a much older wooden windmill.

It was worked by wind until 1927, and then by diesel engine until 1948 when it closed and fell into disrepair following the death of miller John Hammond. Some initial repairs were carried out in the 1970s.

Jeanette said: “It is one of the most complete windmills in the country, having been left as it was when it was last used in 1948.

“It’s like the Marie Celeste in there. It’s a typical Warwickshire tower mill, with neat brick tower, boat-shaped cap and endless chain.

“There is still lots more work to be done and the charity is always looking for new volunteers.”

English Heritage found that nationally, just 40 per cent of listed industrial buildings at risk could be put to sustainable and economic new uses.

Tim Johnson, English Heritage’s Planning Director for the West Midlands, said: “There are lot of good examples where things have been done to preserve industrial heritage and we are encouraging more people to think about how they can help. Everyone can do their bit.”