Tag Archives: Suffolk

Wangford Smock Mill

Wangford windmill

An early photograph of Wangford Windmill close to the Suffolk coast as it looked in around 1910.

The six story smock windmill in Wangford, near Southwold, Suffolk, was built in 1883. It stood at a height of more than 21 metres and had four 8 metre sweeps. It was owned by the Earl of Stradbroke and worked for many years by a family named Martin. It was powered in its later years by both wind and steam and in commercial use right up until it burnt down in August 1928. Unfortunately, nothing of the mill survives.

wangford smock windmill

An old picture postcard recording the fire at the smock mill in Wangford on the 7th August 1928.

In addition to the tower mill a post mill, built in 1801, also played an active role in the economy of the village of Wangford. This was damaged in a storm and dismantled in 1901.

If you know anything more about either the post mill or tower mill in Wangford or have additional images do get in contact.

Ruffles Windmill

haverhill windmill

An old photographic picture postcard of Ruffle’s Mill in Haverhill, Suffolk, England.

Ruffle’s Windmill in Haverhill was built in 1797 and converted to a eight-spoke circular sail in around 1861. Although this form of sail was used in France it is believed to be the only mill with a circular sail ever used in the British Isles. Unfortunately the mill was demolished during the Second World War as it was thought that it might be used as a landmark by enemy aircraft.