Scheduled MonumentsEnglandBourn Windmill

Bourn Windmill

England
List entry 1002935
Nation
England
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Historic England (NHLE)

Overview

History & significance

Bourn Windmill is a post mill, the earliest known surviving example of its type, believed to date from the 14th century. The mill stands on its original site in the village of Bourn, Cambridgeshire, and represents a significant development in medieval milling technology, with the entire wooden superstructure capable of being rotated to face the wind. The structure has been substantially restored and preserved, retaining essential features of post mill construction including the main post and supporting timberwork that characterise this form of vertical axis rotation. As a rare surviving example of early post mill engineering, it remains an important monument for understanding the development of wind power technology in medieval and early modern England.

Bourn Windmill is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1002935. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Bourn Windmill?

Bourn Windmill is a post mill, the earliest known surviving example of its type, believed to date from the 14th century. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1002935.

Who is responsible for protecting Bourn Windmill?

Bourn Windmill is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Historic England (NHLE) — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in England. The official designation reference is 1002935.

What other scheduled monuments are near Bourn Windmill?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Moulton Hills Roman barrows (1.7 km), Caxton Moats: a medieval moated site and associated fishponds and warren, 750m north west of Caxton Hall (1.8 km), A ringwork and bailey castle, and 17th century formal garden remains, at Bourn Hall (2.1 km).

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