Windmill will be 'sight to see' after repair work

Ian Harrison has been the custodian of the windmill since 2006

Work has started on repairs to an early 19th Century windmill.

The historical structure in Fulbourn, Cambridgeshire, was built in 1808 and became derelict after it ceased being used to grind grain in 1937.

Ian Harrison, its owner and custodian since 2006, had rebuilt its sails, but said there was a significant structural weaknesses, which required a full restoration.

He said works could take up to two years, but once complete it would be a "a sight to see".

In the last week of October, a crane is expected on site to lift the sails off the mill and then the large windmill cap and fantail.

Work has already started to construct a large temporary roof to replace the cap.

The project has been given listed building consent and planning permission was granted earlier this year.

The mill is an important part of Fulbourn's industrial heritage, said owner Ian Harrison

Village charity, the Wright's Clock Land Fund, agreed to pay for the work and the windmill would be leased to the charity for 99 years.

Mr Harrison said: "This is going to take about a year and a half to two years to get it all restored.

"When it's all done it will be a sight to see, and it will be great to welcome visitors to look around it and hopefully see us grinding corn again."

Bill, a millwright at the site, added that the feeling of being in a working windmill was like "being on a ship".