Inventory Site Record

Windmill Gardens is named for the windmill that was in use between 1816 -1862 and again between 1902-34, after which it closed and was used for storage. Outbuildings were demolished by bombing in WWII. In 1957 the windmill and surrounding land were purchased by the LCC, with further land added in 1960 and 1961. Windmill Gardens opened in 1962 and restoration of the old windmill began in 1963 and it first opened to the public in the Easter of 1968. Some restoration works have taken place in recent years.

Site location:

Blenheim Road/Blenheim Gardens

Postcode:

SW2 5ET

What 3 Words:

nets.cats.picked

Type of site:

Public Gardens

Borough:

Lambeth

Open to public?

Yes

Opening times:

7.30am - 15 minutes before sunset

Special conditions:

Facilities:

Children's play area (dog free)

Events:

Public transport:

Rail/Tube: Brixton (Victoria) then bus. Bus: 118, 250, 133, 433, 45, 159, 59

Citymapper    
Google Map    
streetmap.co.uk

Research updated:

04/01/2024

Last minor changes:

04/01/2024

Please check with the site owner or manager for latest news. www.lambeth.gov.uk

The windmill here was built in 1816 but closed when the surrounding area was built up between 1852 and 1862. It was later put to use again between 1902-1934 when it was driven by steam and then gas engine, and used for wholemeal flour production after which it finally closed due to lack of demand. It was also known as Ashby's Mill after the miller, Brixton Mill or the Merry Brixton Flour Mills. The grandson of Ashby the miller died in 1935 and it was used for storage from 1934. The stables and outbuildings were demolished in 1941 by bombing, when a pig apparently 'having been hurled through the roof, walked down Blenheim Gardens to the butcher's on the local Parade, and then, still dazed, into the Salvation Army hall, where it passed the rest of the night.'

In 1957 the windmill and surrounding land were purchased by the LCC for £7,845. In 1960 a small piece of land was purchased from the Metropolitan Water Board as well as No. 47 Blenheim Gardens from Langton Gate Properties Ltd, and No. 49, also known as the Mill House, was purchased in 1961. The gardens contain a children’s playground, seating, mature trees and native hedges.

Over time the windmill gradually fell into disrepair, but local residents formed the Friends of Windmill Gardens to help campaign for its protection and eventual restoration. In 2010 a grant from the National Heritage Memorial Fund, supported by funding from Lambeth Council, enabled it to be restored to start grinding corn again, and to provide managed public access to discover its contents and construction. In 2015 the Friends secured funding to build a new education centre in Windmill Gardens. The Brixton Windmill Centre was finally completed in July 2020 and it is now available for schools, training and events, supporting both the Brixton Windmill and the rest of the Gardens. Windmill Gardens is one of 4 holders of the Green Flag Community Award in Lambeth.

Sources consulted:

Marie Draper 'Lambeth's Open Spaces, An historical account', LB Lambeth 1979; Ian Yarham, Michael Waite, Andrew Simpson, Niall Machin, 'Nature Conservation in Lambeth', Ecology Handbook 26 (London Ecology Unit), 1994; Alan Bott (ed.), 'The Londoner's England', Avalon Press, 1947; Windmill Gardens | Lambeth Council; History | Brixton Windmill & Education Centre

Grid ref:

TQ304743 (530450,174350)

Size in hectares:

1.56

Site ownership:

LB Lambeth

Site management:

Environment Directorate, Parks and Greenspaces Unit (Team Lambeth); Friends Group

Date(s):

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:

No

In Conservation Area:

No

Tree Preservation Order:

No

Nature Conservation Area:

No

Green Belt:

No

Metropolitan Open Land:

No

Special Policy Area:

No

Other LA designation:

Park

Windmill Gardens - Photo: Colin Wing
Date taken: 24/08/21 14:32

Click a photo to enlarge.