Lowfield Windmill
The story of the survival of Lowfield Heath Windmill is almost as remarkable as the story of its restoration in the hands of a dedicated and committed group of local people. The post windmill, originally built at Lowfield Heath in the 1740s, now stands on the edge of Charlwood village south of Dorking and is in full working order. It took 13 years of hard work and great skill to dismantle, repair and re-erect the mill. Today it is in full working order and has a small visitor centre in the roundhouse.
Yet, the mill had a remarkable escape from the Great Storm of 1987. It was in a poor condition and stood in a forlorn condition following the demolition of Lowfield Heath village in the 1970's to make way for the expansion of Gatwick Airport. Only weeks before the hurricane the work of dismantling the mill had been completed and a new site found. Only a short delay would certainly have caused the mill's complete destruction.
Lowfield Heath Windmill had been derelict since the end of the 19th century. It is a fine example of a post-mill and is remarkable in that most of its internal machinery remained intact.
Visitors are welcome to see the mill and the visitor centre between April and August on the last Sunday of each month and on National Mill Day: 12th May 2002. The mill is to be found on Russ Hill, about one mile south west of Charlwood village. For details contact the Visitors Information Centre, Dorking Halls 01306 879327.
