WILTON WINDMILL
Wilton Windmill is the only working windmill in the Wessex region. It is a five-floor brick tower mill, standing on a chalk ridge between the villages of Wilton and Great Bedwyn in the southern English county of Wiltshire
The mill was built in 1821 because the construction of the Kennet and Avon Canal had included the canalisation of the River Bedwyn which had previously powered several water mills in the area.
Wilton Windmill around 1900
The mill was in operation for 100 years, however with the introduction of new steam roller mills and fast production of cheap bread it became unwanted, was abandoned and then fell into disrepair. The mill was finally restored to its former glory in 1976, by a team of dedicated volunteers.
The mill in August 1935
The mill was built as a traditional tower mill with a fantail which turns the cap, to ensure that the sails always point into the wind. It has four sails in total; two patent (these are the slatted sails which can be quickly activated) and two common canvas sails, which have to be set before the mill starts to turn.
Today, the mill is fully operational, and produces stone-ground, wholemeal flour. Although owned by Wiltshire Council it is managed and operated by the Wilton Windmill Society which uses the mill and provides guided tours.
Flour made from locally grown wheat is still produced at the mill and can be bought on site and in local shops.
To claim this virtual simply include a picture of yourself or something with your caching name on with the windmill in the background.
Logging Requirements
To log this cache please complete the following two tasks. Answers can be sent via the messaging service and there is no need to wait for a reply before logging although any logs with out a reply may be deleated.
1) Walk down the path towards the Windmill and you will see a large notice board on your left just before the gate. At the bottom there are pictures of three buildings - what is the name of the building in the middle picture
2) Walk round the Windmill and you will see a large brass plauqe on the main ground level door. Please tell me the two words on the middle line.
Although not a requirement it is always nice to see photos of your visit.
Virtual Rewards 3.0 - 2022-2023
This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between March 1, 2022 and March 1, 2023. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards 3.0 on the Geocaching Blog.