The historic mill moved from one part of Cambridgeshire to another

The historic windmill still stands in Cambridgeshire today

In the past, windmills were a hive of activity with many in use across the country. However as years went on, the work at windmills started to decrease, leaving just the building behind.

Across Cambridgeshire, there are many windmills that still stand today and are popular with locals. What people may not know about these windmills is the history behind them.

Madingley Windmill in Cambridge has a very interesting history as there was once a time when the windmill was in a completely different place. Originally built in the 16th century, the mill was built with timber frames and weatherboarded on brick plinths. It also has a boat cap and four patent sails.

It was originally known as Ellington Mill, as it was based in Ellington near Huntingdon. In 1936, Walter Ambrose Harding of Madingley Hall in Cambridge purchased the mill.

He wanted to replace the former Madingley Mill, which was destroyed by a storm in July 1909. The former Ellington Mill was dismantled and moved around 20 miles down the road. Since then, the mill has been known as Madingley Mill and still stands today.

The windmill is now on private land, which means it is not open to the general public. However, with its fascinating past, the windmill is still something to admire as part of Cambridge’s rich history.

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