Construction of the windmill began in 1830 by Mr James Anstiss. The bricks for the 65 foot tower were burnt in a kiln set up near the mill, the clay being dug from a depression about 100 yards to the north east. Two of the bricks are inscribed 'Ja Hunt 1830' and 'G&B 1830'. After a delay (the half completed tower was thatched for the winter) machinery for 3 pairs of stones was installed by William Cooper of Aylesbury incorporating the latest ideas in mill wrighting. The millers were James and Thomas Anstiss, Joseph Rose, Charles Burton, and William Smith who moved his family here from Towersey near Thame.
Early in the mill's life the first floor was raised and reorganised to allow a steam engine to be installed on the massive bed-stone on the ground floor, with its boiler in the open outside the north door. The engine enabled the mill to work regardless of the wind and was a common practice at the time. The drive was taken up the mill to engage the great spur wheel.
The mill only operated for about 50 years, and ceased working before 1891 since in the census of that year both James and Thomas Anstiss described themselves as retired millers. The mill was left to become derelict. The engine and boiler were sold for scrap in 1914; at the same time 1 pair of stones was sold.
The Quainton Windmill Society was formed in 1974 with the object of restoring the mill. The present owner, Mr Colin Dancer, is Life President. He is a descendent of Mr James Anstiss.
In the first year temporary flooring was laid on all floors to allow safe access up the mill. The one remaining sail was removed as it endangered the structure. May 1975 saw the lowering of the cap, wind shaft, and headframe to the ground to facilitate repairs. Work then continued renewing all floors, repairing windows, and rebuilding the gallery. A new headframe, fantail assembly, and a repaired cap were installed in 1987. The sails were refitted in October 1992. The stone furniture has since been renewed, and grain was milled to flour in February 1997.
Grants have been obtained from the Bucks County Council, English Heritage, New Horisons Trust and EB Buckinghamshire. The Friends of the Vale of Aylesbury, the CPRE, the Ernest Cook Trust, and many individuals have made donations. Help in kind has been received from numerous organisations.
On Saturday 26th May the mill was producing flour from the newly refurbished mill stones for the first time.It is the intention of the mill team now to move forward so that Quainton Mill will be able to sell flour to the public once more. At present discussions and inspections are taking place with the appropriate authorities. This site will be updated as soon as there is anything further to report.
Work on the mill takes place on Sunday mornings between 10am and 1pm. Interested helpers and visitors are very welcome: please contact Mr P Tooms for more information Tel No 01296 655306.
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