WORK has begun to repair and conserve the historic windmill in Thaxted.
The old windmill was built by John Webb in 1804, and is currently without its sails while work is underway.
Experts are replacing the eroded brickwork both inside and out, and replacing the millwrighting machinery, including the sails and stocks.
The restoration is expected to take just over 18 months, and there will be opportunities for members of the public to view progress and learn about the conservation building skills involved.
Alongside these repair projects, there will be a variety of free activities for volunteers to train in heritage skills, learning how to be researchers, interpreters, guides, producers of learning activities and conservators.
Subjects and themes have been extended into broader aspects of heritage, covering topics such as researching family history, agriculture past and present, photographing historic buildings and landscapes, mills in paintings, folk songs and folklore.
The project has been possible thanks to funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic England, The Pilgrim Trust, Essex Heritage Trust, Hunts and Yardleys charitable trusts in Thaxted and from generous residents.
Members of the public can add their support by taking part in an ongoing Buy-a-Brick scheme at https://www.johnwebbswindmillthaxted.com/.
A drop-in launch event for the project will take place from 10am to 3.30pm on Saturday, January 10 at the church hall on Margaret Street.
The day will include presentations about the project at 10.30am and 1.30pm, with guided visits to the windmill at noon and 2.30pm, depending on the weather.
There will also be opportunities to learn about the free activities, workshops and day schools and to register your interest.
Free parking is nearby.
The Grade II-listed windmill was added to Historic England's Heritage at Risk register in 2019.
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The structure is suffering from extensive internal damp caused by eroded brickwork and open joints, which is causing widespread mould on internal walls.
After operating for more than 100 years to satisfy a growing demand for flour, the mill was declared uneconomic to work in 1907 and failed to sell at auction.
It was then restored from 1973 onwards, and is the only remaining windmill in Thaxted.
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