Work to reinstate the sails at Skidby Mill is underway following a major restoration project. The iconic East Yorkshire mill had its sails taken down in 2019 after rot was discovered in the support beam.
Built in the 1820s, the windmill near Cottingham is Grade II* listed. Though new sails have been installed, the mill will not rotate.
Despite having stopped commercial grinding in the 1960s, the mill has remained an iconic structure in the area. The mill’s cap was recently reinstated after having been taken for inspection.
Specialists from Suffolk Millwrights have been onsite working on attaching the replacement sails. Tim Whiting, from the firm, told LDRS the process of erecting the sails can be tricky. “Sometimes they go really easily and sometimes they really play up.”
Also at the site was East Riding Of Yorkshire Council’s cabinet member for culture, leisure and tourism, Cllr Nick Coultish. The Conservative councillor, who represents Goole North, described Skidby Mill’s restoration as “a really exciting project.” He added: “We’re really lucky to have a building this unique in the East Riding. It’s one of only a few in the country.
“It’s a restoration project that has taken a number of years. About £200,000 of council money has been invested here to put the sails back on the mill to restore it to how it once looked when it was a working mill.”
Cllr Coultish spoke of his optimism that the newly-restored sails will help draw people to the area. “I think people will travel to see this, especially with the museum, the cafe, and the beautiful walking spot as well just next door, so it’s a great day out,” he said. The Museum of East Riding Rural Life, which costs £2.50 for an adult, is located on the site of the mill.
By: Andrew Spence, LDRS
