Building record MLI85666 - Tower Mill, Bardney Road, Wragby

Summary

Tower mill built in 1831, which underwent alterations in the 20th century.

Type and Period (4)

  • (Post Medieval to Mid 20th Century - 1831 AD to 1950 AD?)
  • (Mid 20th Century to 21st Century - 1950 AD? to 2050 AD)
  • (Post Medieval to Mid 20th Century - 1831 AD to 1950 AD?)
  • (Post Medieval to Mid 20th Century - 1831 AD to 1950 AD?)

Protected Status/Designation

Full Description

This tall tower mill was built in 1831 by the millwright Ingledew of Gainsborough. The mill was worked by wind until 1903, when an oil engine took over. It was subsequently modernised with most of the old gearing removed. The mill originally had six sails which drove four pairs of stones on the third floor. The original cap has been replaced by a concrete dome, which is supported by the old oak sheertrees. Cereal milling on the site likely stopped at some point in the early or mid 20th century, though the site remained associated with the corn trade, being used as a store. Some original machinery was found to still be present in 1985, including the upper stone spindle glut box bearings, and part of the sackhoist. A large hurst frame which formerly contained two pairs of stones was on the ground floor, whilst a large grain cleaner by E.R. & F. Turner of Ipswich was on an upper floor. {1}{2} Tower mill built in 1831, which underwent alterations in the 20th century. It was constructed of red brick, with the ground floor being colour-washed and the upper storeys tarred, though all quite weathered at the time of listing. It has a low segmental-shaped cap and decorated eaves. Of six storeys in total, with the lower storey hidden behind 20th century sheds built up against it. All the original machinery has been removed from the interior. For the full description and the legal address of this listed building please refer to the appropriate entry in the National Heritage List for England. {3}{4}{5}{6} The first owner of the mill was a Mr J. Clark. The tower was built of local Wragby brick, with lime and mortar from the nearby Panton sand pits. Ownership of the mill passed to Henry Mawer in 1867, and to Preston Farmers at some point in the 20th century. The mill is believed to have been struck by lightning several times in the early 20th century, which may be the reason why the sails were lost. Preston Farmers are thought to have largely used the mill for storage, removing the milling machinery, but also installing crop drying machinery inside at some point. Preston Farmers closed their business here on the 30th of April 1997, selling the mill into private ownership. The building has since been subject to some restoration work to conserve the structure, with the original floors and staircases retained, and the third floor external staging reinstated. {7}{8} A site visit undertaken in May 2025 by Lincolnshire County Council found in situ machinery, evidence for woodworm, evidence for water ingress, and graffiti dating from the 19th century onwards. {9}

Sources/Archives (9)

  •  Bibliographic Reference: Rex Wailes. 1953. Lincolnshire Windmills. part.2, p.108.
  •  Bibliographic Reference: Peter Dolman. 1986. Lincolnshire Windmills: A Contemporary Survey. no.132, pp.29, 62.
  •  Index: Department of the Environment. 1986. List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest. 4/54.
  •  Website: Historic England (formerly English Heritage). 2011->. The National Heritage List for England. http://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/. 1063070.
  •  Unpublished Document: Historic England. Document Held by The Historic England Archive. BF003126.
  •  Bibliographic Reference: A.A. Bryan. 1998. Windmill Gazetteer for England. p.15.
  •  Bibliographic Reference: Wragby Heritage Group. 2007. Where Five Roads Meet: A History of Wragby, Lincolnshire. pp.123-4.
  •  Bibliographic Reference: David Jager. 2007. Windmills of Lincolnshire Surviving into the 21st Century. EL36, p.87.
  •  Digital Archive: Lincolnshire County Council. 2025. Site Visit to Tower Mill, Wragby, in May 2025. -.

Map

Find a placename, postcode or grid reference

Map layers

Base layers

Info

Record list

Tools

Location

Grid reference Centred TF 13130 77786 (8m by 9m) Surveyed
Civil Parish WRAGBY, EAST LINDSEY, LINCOLNSHIRE

Related Monuments/Buildings (0)

Related Events/Activities (1)

Please contact the HER for details.

External Links (0)

Record last edited

Jun 3 2025 10:54AM

Feedback?

Your feedback is welcome. If you can provide any new information about this record, please contact us.