Description
This Grade I listed Kentish smock windmill dates back to 1789. The current Herne Mill is one of a long line that has occupied the site for Centuries and has been a local landmark in the village of Herne. It also features museum and visitor facilities due to the restoration work since it was acquired in 1984 Kent County Council, and is now run by the Friends of Herne Mill. The mill worked solely by wind until the end of the 19th Century, but then the large industrial mills began to take most of the work of grinding corn and windmills around the country had to supplement the sometimes inconstant wind with auxiliary power to remain competitive. +This was replaced around 1920 by an internal combustion ‘marine’ engine and in 1925 by a ‘Mogul’ tractor. Listed as Grade 1 in 1951 and in 1952 it stopped working by wind altogether. Some work carried on by the electric flail mill and the plate mills, but despite a Preservation Order put in place in 1952, nothing was done to stop its ongoing decline until the council's ownership.
Opening Hours
Easter until September
Sunday
2pm-5pm
last admission 4.30pm
Also holds special event days.
Open by appointment at other times subject to the availability of sufficient guides.
Price
Adult: £2
Children under 16 years: Free
Children under 12 years must be in the care of a responsible adult at all times.
Accessibility
In Wootton Room, ground floor of the mill, there is film of the mill cap for viewing.
Train
Herne Bay - 1.4 miles..
Parking
Limited.
Dogs
Allowed in the ground floor and outside.
Facilities
Toilet • Disabled Toilet
Picture Credit: © Herne Mill.
