Built in 1798, Ellis Mill still reminds us of the skill, hard work and community strength that shaped Lincoln’s History. In the 1800s the city had a busy milling skyline, nine windmills stood along the West Common ridge, all perfectly positioned to catch the strong steady westerly winds that blew along this limestone escarpment.
Now the lone survivor of that once‑iconic line is Ellis Mill.
But before the Mill was built, there was almost certainly a post mill on the site. These were common mills in the 17th century and had a timber structure where the whole body rotated to face the wind. They were lighter and easier to build on exposed ridges, but as technology advanced they were gradually replaced. So, it was goodbye to the wooden sails and hello to the three-storey brick tower mill, with its distinctive ogee cap (a timber, S-shaped dome), fantail, and four patent sails.
Although it was purchased in 1894 for £250 by local miller and businessman, John Ellis, windmills were already in decline. Then after storm damage in 1941 and a fire in 1974, the mill stood derelict until a major restoration by the Lincoln Civic Trust between 1977 and 1980.
The mill retains important evidence of traditional milling technology, including gearing, stones, and cap mechanisms. In its recent past the reconstructed machinery has demonstrated how the mill worked, displaying a rare insight into historic processes seldom seen today.
Ellis Mill is of high heritage value for its rarity, architectural integrity, community importance, and contribution to Lincoln’s historic landscape.
It stands as a living reminder of the city’s industrial past and if saved from its current neglected state, would be a model of successful heritage conservation.
The mill is currently supported by a dedicated team of volunteers* who want to form a registered charity. That would let them apply for funding from sources like the National Lottery and Historic England. It sits beside the Museum of Lincolnshire Life, and is within walking distance of Lincoln Cathedral, the Castle and the Bishop’s Palace, which places it at the heart of a wider heritage cluster. This location alone merits its inclusion, investment and protection as part of this collective historic landscape.
*Lincoln’s last windmill needs you: volunteers wanted to save Ellis Mill — The Lincolnian
Janet Stock 