Inventory Site Record

Upminster Windmill is a historic local landmark, set within Windmill Field, an area provided as public recreational space. The Windmill dates from 1803 and was in use until the 1930s, owned by the Abraham family since 1857. In 1937 Essex County Council purchased the Mill estate, initially to develop the site, but the Windmill was preserved as a result of local pressure. It was eventually restored and first opened to the public in 1968, having passed to LB Havering in 1965. Windmill Field was initially leased to an archery club, but open to the public at all other times.

Site location:

St Mary's Lane, Upminster

Postcode:

RM14 2QL

What 3 Words:

friday.hers.likes

Type of site:

Public Open Land

Borough:

Havering

Open to public?

Yes

Opening times:

unrestricted to Windmill Field. Windmill open to the public certain days (check https://www.upminsterwindmill.org/)

Special conditions:

Windmill: check Friends website for health and safety guidelines

Facilities:

Visitor Centre, Gardens and Grounds is free. Entry to the windmill requires booking in advance; 2023 charges: £6 per adult (£2 per child).

Events:

Windmill Guided Tours; has opened for Open House. School visits / group visits are available.

Public transport:

Tube: Upminster Bridge, Upminster (District). Rail: Upminster. Bus: 248, 370 (648, 652 schooldays only)

Citymapper    
Google Map    
streetmap.co.uk

Research updated:

24/05/2023

Last minor changes:

29/03/2026

Please check with the site owner or manager for latest news. www.havering.gov.uk; www.upminsterwindmill.co.uk

Upminster Windmill was built in 1803 by James Noakes, who came to Upminster in 1793 and leased Hunts Farm on Corbets Tey Road. His brother William leased Bridge Farm in 1801, and James subsequently tenanted one of the farm's fields, where he then built the windmill, bakery and cottages. By 1812 the mill was working at full capacity. After Noakes' death in 1838 his son Thomas continued to run the windmill and later inherited Bridge House Farm in 1846 on his uncle William's death. Thomas Abraham, whose family later owned the Windmill into the 1930s, was first employed as foreman in 1844. In 1849 the Mill estate was put up for auction and sale particulars described it as 'eligibly situated on a pleasing eminence on the High Road at Upminster, comprising a most substantial modern built Corn Mill, capable of dealing with very extensive business, with capital steam engine and all its appendages, driving five pairs of stones, and substantial Engine House, Granaries and Storage for a large quantity of corn. Stabling and other suitable Outbuildings, with a modern well-built detached comfortable Residence. This residence has been built about 10 years. 2 Millers Cottages and a pond full of water, together with a beautiful and productive meadow, containing 11 acres, 3 roods 1 perch, with several charming spots for building villas.' The sale went for £2,000 to Ambrose Colson, who sold it on to James Wadeson.

By 1851 Thomas Abraham returned to run the mill, although he left to farm elsewhere for some time before finally buying the mill and surrounding land for £1,100 in 1857. After his death in 1882, the business passed to his younger son John Arkell Abraham, on whose death in 1912 it passed to John's nephews Alfred and Clement. The Windmill was struck by lightning in a severe storm in 1889, the residents of Upminster helping with repairs, and again in 1927 a storm caused extensive damage. It was eventually auctioned in 1934, but up for sale again in 1937 when Essex County Council purchased it, initially proposing to demolish the windmill and develop the land. A public outcry reversed this decision and a preservation order was placed on the windmill.

During WWII it was neglected and by 1946 badly in need of repair as a result of which in 1947 local people set up a committee to maintain the windmill, but failed in their ambitious plans to restore it, although for a time took a lease from Essex County Council. Some restoration was undertaken by 1950 funded through public appeal but it then deteriorated. In 1960 Essex CC purchased surrounding land and demolished the adjoining mill buildings, but undertook major repairs to the Windmill in 1961. In 1965, when the new London Borough of Havering was formed as part of local government reorganisation, responsibility for Upminster Windmill passed to the new council. The Windmill was first opened to the public in 1968, attracting 1800 visitors. In 2001 Friends of Upminster Windmill was formed and continues to maintain it. The Windmill is set within Windmill Field, an area of largely mown grass with a number of trees, and is provided as a public recreational space. The Field was initially leased to an archery club 'for which it is most suitable' but open to the public at all other times. The Windmill remains an important local landmark.

In 2016, a restoration project began to bring the mill back to working order and save it from collapse. This project has now brought the mill back to working order for the first time since 1935 and the Windmill re-opened to the public on certain days from late May 2023.

Sources consulted:

History of windmill on www.upminsterwindmill.co.uk; LB Havering Recreation and Amenities Brochure, 1970

Grid ref:

TQ558867 (555700,186690)

Size in hectares:

0.96

Site ownership:

LB Havering; Windmill leased to Upminster Windmill Preservation Trust Ltd

Site management:

Parks. Windmill: Friends of Upminster Windmill

Date(s):

1803 (Windmill); 1960s

Designer(s):

Listed structures:

LBII*: Windmill

On National Heritage List for England (NHLE), Parks & Gardens:

No

Registered common or village green on Commons Registration Act 1965:

No

Protected under London Squares Preservation Act 1931:

No

Local Authority Data

The information below is taken from the relevant Local Authority's planning legislation, which was correct at the time of research but may have been amended in the interim. Please check with the Local Authority for latest planning information.

On Local List:

Yes

In Conservation Area:

No

Tree Preservation Order:

To be checked

Nature Conservation Area:

No

Green Belt:

No

Metropolitan Open Land:

No

Special Policy Area:

Other LA designation:

None

Upminster Windmill, October 2010. Photograph Sally Williams

Click a photo to enlarge.