Brill windmill restoration

The windmill's significant architectural, archaeological, social and cultural value means it is crucial for both the County and the village to ensure that its rarity and importance both at national and local level is maintained.

Major works to conserve the windmill over the past century have been vital in retaining and conserving this rare mill and its ancient timbers.  Thanks to the periodic approached to restoration in the past, the contents of the mill have survived remarkably intact, ensuring its status as a Grade 2* listed building.

Nonetheless, the mill was assessed to be at risk of structural failure and in urgent need of repair and restoration. A Brill Windmill Management Group was established in 2008 to seek funding to secure the long-term future of this fragile mill. It consists of a partnership between the ourselves, Aylesbury Vale District Council, Brill Parish Council and the Brill Society.

Major funding was secured from English Heritage and Waste Recycling Environmental Limited (WREN) to support the Brill Windmill Management Group in its delivery of a full scheme of preservation and repair programme.

This project has secured the life of the mill for future generations and, by replacing previously lost features of the windmill, reinstate its appearance to how it would have looked when last working during the early part of the twentieth century.  The fragility of the mill and the need to ensure that its ancient timbers remain in-situ, however, means that the mill has not been returned to working condition.

This exciting project is now complete and there will be an ongoing yearly maintenance programme. 

An event to commemorate the end of this project was held and invited guests had an opportunity to see the mill in all its splendour.  The Chairman of the County Council, Mr Richard Pushman unveiled a plaque after receiving the keys to the door.

Images of the restorations various stages are below.