Plans for emergency repairs of Bidston windmill

If given the go-ahead, Bidston Windmill's roof, window shutters, chain wheel and timber beams would be repaired.

The Friends of Bidston Hill, a community group that help manage the conservation area in which the mill is located, has been contacted for more details on why the work is necessary.

According to its website, the windmill is mentioned in an early manuscript dated 1609 and may have been there as early as 1596. It is next mentioned in the Kingston map of 1665. 

If given the go-ahead, Bidston Windmill's roof, window shutters, chain wheel and timber beams would be repaired (Image: Craig Manning / Newsquest)
Carvings left by visitors to Bidston Windmill over the years (Image: Craig Manning / Newsquest)

Inscription above the door of Bidston Windmill (Image: Craig Manning / Newsquest) The mill of 1665 was described as "peg mill". It was destroyed in 1791 during a gale. In the high winds, the sails revolved so fast that the friction caused the machinery to ignite.

In 1800, a new “tower mill” was built from brick to replace the peg mill. The tower mill ground corn to flour for 75 years. 

During the 1890s, Bidston Hill was bought by the Bidston Hill Committee from Lord Vyner for public use and in 1894 the windmill was restored by a Mr R. S. Hudson.

The council carried out more remedial work over the years until 2004, when the windmill was closed for renovations.

The roof was last repaired in February 2006.