Chillenden Mill

About

Chillenden Mill is a distinctive local landmark, standing on an exposed site at Goodnestone, Dover. It is a Grade ll listed building.

There have been windmills on this site since the 1300s.

In 1868 an open-trestle post windmill was built to replace an earlier post mill. It was not fitted with a fantail and would have been turned manually.

It is one of only 4 Kentish postmills and was the last to be built to this design.

It was a working mill until 1949 when one of the sweeps was broken in a gale. In 1955 local residents raised enough money to make the mill weatherproof, but they could not afford to repair it fully.

The mill stayed in private ownership until 1958 when Kent County Council acquired it. Unfortunately, the barn and milling equipment were removed at that time.

In 2003, the mill collapsed in strong winds. It was rebuilt and strengthened and was reopened to the public in 2005.

A guide will be on hand to take you up into the mill to show you around and to explain the fascinating history of one of the last mills of this type in the country.

The windmill is on high open ground with fine views to Knowlton Court to the east and Ramsgate to the north. It is also situated on a circular walk taking in Chillenden, Rowling and Goodnestone.

When the windmill is closed you are still welcome to visit the site and have a look around the outside. There is an information and interpretation board in the grounds.

Car parking is limited. No toilets. Disabled access to grounds and base of windmill only - due to steep and narrow staircase access is not possible to the upper levels.