Work on rot-ridden windmill nears completion

The sails of Waltham windmill are due to be put back on in the next few weeks

The cap of Waltham Windmill near Grimsby has been lifted back into place following a year of repairs.

Rot was found three years ago and became increasingly worse, leading to removal of the cap and the windmill's six sails in August 2024.

The mill, which was built between 1878 and 1880, is one of just a handful still operating in northern Lincolnshire.

It is hoped the six sails will be back on the mill in the next two to six weeks.

The cap suffered rot and has taken a year to repair

Suffolk Millwrights has spent a year repairing the cap, which houses the machinery and sails, and rotates to allow the sails to face into the wind.

The mill, looked after by Waltham Windmill Preservation Society, was awarded a grant of £63,120 to carry out the work by Historic England after being put on its "at risk" register.

Norman Major, who has been the miller at the windmill for ten years, told BBC Radio Humberside the repairs were "a very big relief."

"Without the help from Historic England the work wouldn't have been done. We do have a few bob though through selling our bags of flour," he added.

Norman Major has been the miller at the windmill for 10 years

Mr Major became the miller following the retirement of his predecessor and grinds wheat into flour to sell.

He said: "We sit in the cafe at the back of the mill supping coffee, watching the sails go round, sorting the world out."

The six sails of the mill are still being repaired and will be back on Waltham windmill in the next few weeks.

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