Frequently Asked Questions
1. How old is the mill?
The mill was buit circa 1835, which makes it around 175 years old.
2. Why is the roof coloured red? Is this original?
The mill roof was painted red during the second world war, in order to allow pilots to distinguish it from the nearby post mill at Cross-In-Hand which is very similar in appearance. Originally the mill roof was painted white.
3. What makes Argos Hill mill special?
Argos Hill windmill is one of only approximately 50 post mills remaining in the country. It retains nearly all of its original machinery, and is regarded as one of the most important post mills in England today. It has a number of rare features including a tailpole-mounted fantail, an extended mill body and a unique door lock.
Facts
Mill Body
Total height | 38 feet (approx) |
Mill body height | 30 feet |
Mill body depth | 20 feet 6 inches |
Mill body width | 10 feet 6 inches |
Length of post | 20 feet |
Sails
Stock length | 33 feet |
Sail weather at canister | 18 degrees |
Sail weather at tip | 4 degrees |
Number of shutters | 204 |
Shutter width | 8 inches |
Ideal sail speed | 14 - 18 r.p.m. |
Fantail
Fantail diameter | 10 feet 6 inches |
Number of fantail blades | 8 |
Fantail blade angle | 28 degrees |
Tailpole length | 34 feet |
Machinery
Windshaft length | 16 feet |
Brake wheel diameter | 8 feet 4 inches |
Brake wheel cogs | 112 |
Tail wheel diameter | 8 feet |
Tail wheel cogs | 112 |
Breast stone nut teeth | 13 |
Breast millstones | Derbyshire Peak |
Breast millstone diameter | 4 feet 4 inches |
Breast millstone ratio | 8.6 : 1 |
Tail stone nut teeth | 16 |
Tail millstones | French Burr |
Tail millstone diameter | 4 feet |
Tail millstone ratio | 7 : 1 |