Kibworth Harcourt Mill - Past and Present

Kibworth Harcourt Mill - Past and Present

The talk will include the past history of the mill and go through various repairs bringing us up to date with the current project.

This post mill is the last of its kind in Leicestershire and only one of 50 left in the country. The mill, originally belonged to Merton College Oxford, who in 1936 asked that the SPAB provide the maintenance for it. Originally a Trustee body was set up which included members of the SPAB, and in recent years this became a Management Team, again with SPAB members very much involved.

The mill sits on private land owned by the same farming family as today. Over the years repairs have been done to the mill, but like any other windmill, needs constant attention. The current work is a major overhaul of the mill to bring it back to a working condition for visitors to appreciate not only the structure, but also the craft of the millwrights and millers of past and present to protect the mill for future generations to see and enjoy.

Hopefully during the summer months, visitors, by appointment, will be able to see the millwrights at work, and detailed technical repairs will be captured on film. We are hoping that once the work is completed that local residents will wish to look after the mill and be able to show visitors around.

Speaker information: Mildred Cookson

Mildred was born and brought up in ‘Windmill Land’ in Blackpool. Her nearest windmill was Marsh Mill at Thornton where she spent much time with the late Walter Heapy. Here at the mill Walter taught her how to cut apple wood for cogs and for stone nuts, as well giving her many useful hints. From 1982 till 2012 she ran Mapledurham Watermill as a commercial venture supplying flour to local bakers, health food shops and farmers’ markets. Mildred was also responsible for the day-to-day maintenance of the mill, as well as the stone dressing.

Mildred joined the SPAB Mills Section in 1976 and the Section Committee in 1984. She is particularly involved in working with millwrights; she also established the programme of one-day training courses and the Mill Repair Fund. At present she is a trustee of the SPAB and chairman of the Mills Section Committee, and editor of the Section’s newsletter, ‘Mill News’. She is also actively involved as trustee of the Mills Archive Trust.

IT requirements: Please note that this is an online lecture and will be held via a webinar platform. You will be sent instructions on how to join the session the day before the lecture. To participate, all you need is an internet connection, and a laptop, computer or phone with the ability to play video and audio.

Booking Terms & Conditions

Accessibility: please contact the SPAB before booking to discuss any special access requirements.