The History of Lindley's Mill in Sutton

The windmill replaced a wooden windmill on Mill Street. It belonged to Mr J. Lindley, a well-known miller and baker carrying on his business in antiquated premises now to be seen in High Pavement. On the occasion of the attempt to transfer the mill to another site it suddenly overturned doing irreparable damage. The existing mill at the bottom of Prospect Place was then erected.

Lindley's Mill tower is short compared with other mills and its case is also relatively small. It measures 30 feet from the top to the ground and the internal diameter of the ground floor is 16 feet. Across the top it measures 11 foot and 4 inches. It was originally said to be about 34 feet in height. The curb, which would have topped the tower and on which the cap would have sat is missing.

The listing for Lindley's Mill states: "Windmill. c1820 Built by James Lindley. Dressed stone, partly tarred. Roofless. Stone sills and plinth. Round battered tower, 4 stages. Windows are square unglazed openings. First stage has a doorway to east and west, that to east flanked by single blocked casements Above, 2 casements. Above again, a single casement on each stage. The interior is without floor. No machinery survives." The original Mill was damaged by a gale in 1818.

Lindley's Mill became a Grade II listed building on 26th September 1974. At that time, it had no roof or floors. In 2003, it was judged to be at risk. 

A proposed housing development was noticed by Jane Peters, who when contacting Ashfield District Council made sure the mill's future was secured. Money was put into restoring the mill and work done included re-pointing, and clearance of overgrown plants and bushes. An interpretation board was included on site explaining the history of the building.

In 2007, when then small housing section was built, funding from the Metropolitan Housing Trust enabled the Mill to be taken off the At Risk Register.

In 2014, with Heritage Lottery funding, the Mill had new windows, and a roof, and a small heritage centre. A wooden floor was also fitted in 2015, partially funded by the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (Mills section).

In September 2023, the flat roof of the building was replaced for a conical roof to help prevent water damage the the floor inside the Mill was replaced.

The Mill can still be accessed for visitors or for educational purposes. Learn more about where Lindley's Mill is located and how to visit.