Patcham Windmill

Restoration of Patcham Windmill

Built in 1885

History notes from the 1994 'My Brighton' exhibit

This five storey tower mill in Mill Road, Patcham, was the last working mill to be erected in Sussex. It was built in 1885 for Joseph Harris, a baker who also owned Preston Mill.

In use until 1924
The mill remained in use until 1924 and is now a private dwelling with an extension and a goldfish family in the swimming pool. The current owner, George Musgrave, bought it in 1989 for £250,000, exchanging contracts just two days after viewing it.

Gale damage in 1990
In January 1990 he had to contend with severe damage from gales and a repair bill of £14,000. Then, one December morning at 4.00am the mill was struck by lightning, destroying two sails. The repairs involved removing the cap, dismantling the remaining sails and rebuilding them at a cost of £170,000!