Unbelievable! A historic windmill in Cambridgeshire has become a surprising contender in an international competition. Wicken Mill, with its rich history and traditional methods, has taken the windiest windmill title in Great Britain!
This working flour mill, built in 1813, has a fascinating story to tell. After its closure in 1933, it was restored to its former glory by a dedicated team of millwrights. And now, with modern technology, they've discovered just how much this mill relies on the wind.
Kelvin Law, the miller and an amateur millwright, shared his surprise at the mill's performance. "We never imagined it would turn so much! Nearly 99,000 revolutions in a year! It's incredible." But here's where it gets controversial... Wicken Mill came in seventh place, behind Dutch entries, in a competition with mills from Great Britain, The Netherlands, and Germany.
Law explained the mill's motivation: "We need to mill as much as possible to generate income and keep this beautiful, historic building operational. It's a privilege to be a part of this unique place." The mill sells its flour to commercial outlets, village shops, and home bakers, and Law emphasizes the importance of traditional methods: "We only mill using the wind, even though it's more challenging than using an electric motor. It's a choice we make to preserve the authenticity of this wonderful mill."
And this is the part most people miss... Wicken Mill is already planning to improve its ranking this year. "We're determined to reach that 100,000 revolutions mark and climb the leaderboard!" Law said.
So, what do you think? Is Wicken Mill's traditional approach to milling worth celebrating, or is it a sign of unnecessary complexity in an age of modern convenience? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
