Grid reference SU 4267 5634 Year built 1891 | No. of sails One sail | |
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Mill name Crux Easton wind engine Operator(s) Crux Easton Wind Engine Restoration Trust Purpose Pumping mill, sawmill and corn mill Type Simplex geared wind engine | ||
Crux Easton wind engine is a Grade II listed Titt wind engine at Crux Easton, Hampshire, England which has been restored to working order.
Contents
History
Erected for the Earl of Carnarvon in 1891. The wind engine pumped water from a well 410 feet (125 m) deep. It was last used in the 1920s. The sails were removed in the 1960s and placed in storage. Restoration of the wind engine was undertaken by Hampshire Industrial Archaeology Society and Hampshire Mills Group with assistance from the British Engineerium, Hove for the Crux Easton Wind Engine Restoration Trust. The restoration was funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, which was asked to contribute £149,750 of the estimated £226,180 cost. Other grants were received from Basingstoke & Deane District Council, Hampshire County Council. and the Vodafone Charitable Trust. Restoration of the wind engine was delayed due to an outbreak of Foot and Mouth disease. The restored wind engine was officially opened on 25 September 2002 by Sir George Young.
Description
Crux Easton wind engine is a Titt Simplex geared wind engine. It has a 20 feet (6.10 m) diameter sail mounted on a 35 feet (10.67 m) hexagonal steel tower. The annular sail has 48 blades, each one 5 feet (1.52 m) long. It is winded by a six blade fantail. The wind engine was primarily used for pumping water, but also drove a circular saw and a pair of millstones. The mill is recorded as being capable of producing eight to ten sacks of flour per day.
Public access
Crux Easton wind engine is open from 11:00 to 16:00 on the second Sunday of each month from April to August, plus both days of National Mills weekend. It is open at other times by appointment.