The Windmill Hill Project
On the right is a photograph of the stump of the windmill as it appears today
(Jan, 2003), with some of the work on the access paths up to the windmill
already started. Access will be available from various parts of the town,
including the Loughside Drive area and Windmill Gardens.
This is a joint venture by Ballynahinch Regeneration, Down District Council
and The Woodland Trust. Most of the work on these access paths will be
completed later this year and it is hoped that in the future, the Windmill may
be fully restored to as near it's original condition as possible.
Have a look at some views of Ballynahinch from Windmill Hill
The Windmill is visible from all over the town and it could become a really
beautiful landmark looking something like the picture on the right with fully
working sails.when restored to it's former glory.
In addition, The Woodland Trust have planted over 2,000 trees on the site and
they now cover about two-thirds of the parkland area on Windmill Hill.
The trees are planted among the existing gorse bushes to help retain the
natural habitat for local wildlife.
A Little History
Construction of the Windmill was probably begun in 1772 and is described as 'newly built' in the following advertisement which appeared in the Belfast Newsletter of October, 1773."To be let from the first of November next, for such Term as may be agreed for, a remarkable good Wind-mill at Ballynahinch, with a good House for the Miller, and about five Acres of good Land very convenient to the Mill:
The Mill is newly built, and entirely calculated for the grinding of Wheat and dressing the finest Flour, having every Machine necessary for that Purpose in the best Order.
Proposals to be given the Earl of Moira, or in his Absence to Morgan Jellett, Esq, his Lordship's Agent. Dated this 6th Day of Oct. 1773."
In the Industrial Archaeology of County Down by E.R.R.Green (Published by HMSO, 1963), Ballynahinch Windmill is number '70' and rates a whole paragraph. A quote appears below giving some idea of why the building has lasted for so long.
"The interior of the mill is octagonal to first floor level, enabling the projecting walls to bear the weight of the machinery. The walls are 4 ft. thick at their narrowest."
There were also several mentions of the windmill during the Battle of Ballynahinch in 1798, and it was used an abused by both sides. Full details can be found on the relevant page by clicking the link above.
There are also details of the Windmill in Sydney McCullough's book, Ballynahinch - Centre of Down , as well as details of the other mills and industries which were historically important to the town and you can read the chapter by clicking on the link above
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