Mill name Bidston Mill Operator(s) Public Purpose Corn mill Phone +44 151 653 9332 | Grid reference SJ 287 893 Year built c. 1800 | |
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Bidston Windmill is situated on Bidston Hill, near Birkenhead, on the Wirral Peninsula, England.
History
It is believed that there has been a windmill, on this site, since 1596. The mill was ideally placed to catch the wind and was able to produce over 100 pounds (45 kg) of flour every 3 to 5 minutes. However, the mill was difficult to access by cart. The previous structure, a wooden peg mill, was destroyed by fire in 1791 (although some sources state 1793). During a gale, the sails got out of control and the friction produced by the revolving wooden mechanism caused the entire mill to burst into flames.
The current building was built around 1800 and continued working as a flour mill until about 1875. After falling into disuse the windmill and the land, on which it stands, was purchased by Birkenhead Corporation and restored from 1894.
There is a plaque on the windmill, which reads as follows:
The building was badly damaged in 1927, once again. A public subscription was then raised, in order to carry out the necessary repairs. The windmill has been reconditioned several times, since. During 2006, the roof of the windmill was replaced as part of a refurbishment program, in order to maintain the structure.