Restoration work at the Grade II listed Waltham Windmill is continuing to move forward, with volunteers carefully addressing a number of essential repairs uncovered during the project.
The £83,000 scheme began in September 2024 and initially involved removing the cap and all six sails so that structural repairs and protective repainting could take place. Once the mill was dismantled, additional issues were identified that required specialist attention, extending the timeline but ensuring the long-term stability of the historic landmark.
The Waltham Windmill Trust explained that the cap and sails could only be reinstated once several further components had been repaired or replaced. One of the key discoveries was the need for a new curb rail at the top of the mill, which had to be custom-cast and machined. This work relied on the availability of the foundry and other specialist craftsmen.
A new fly frame was also required, and once the cap was reinstated, attention turned to the wheels that enable the cap to rotate. Some of the centring wheels needed new castings, which again involved waiting for a pattern maker and foundry to produce the bespoke parts.
Although the project is now in its final stages, the sails remain off the mill while the paint surface undergoes scientific analysis. This assessment is designed to identify and resolve any emerging issues before the sails return, helping to secure the future of the structure. The Trust says the sails will be reinstalled as soon as this final piece of work is complete.
The restoration has been supported by more than £62,000 of funding from Historic England, with the long-term aim of removing the windmill from the organisation’s ‘at risk’ register.
Part of the Gi Grimsby News team since 2020.