Gibbet Mill, Rye

Gibbet Mill, Tillingham Mill, Barry's Mill or New Mill is a grade II listed^[1] cosmetically reconstructed smock mill at Rye, East Sussex, England. Today it serves as bed and breakfast accommodation.

Rye Windmill
The mill in 2009
Origin
Mill name	Gibbet Mill Tillingham Mill Barry's Mill New Mill
Mill location	TQ 917 203
Coordinates	50°57′00″N 0°43′41″E
Operator(s)	Private
Year built	1824
Information
Purpose	Corn mill
Type	Smock mill
Storeys	Four-storey smock
Base storeys	Single-storey base
Smock sides	Eight sides
No. of sails	Four sails
Type of sails	Spring sails
Windshaft	Cast iron
Winding	Fantail
Fantail blades	Eight blades
No. of pairs of millstones	Three pairs
Year lost	1932
Other information	Replica body constructed on original base.

History

Gibbet Mill from an old postcard, by artist Walter Hayward-Young

A mill has stood on this site since 1596, and a post mill is known to have been built here in 1758.^[2] Gibbet Mill was built in 1824, the name Barry's mill coming from an early miller.^[3] The mill was working by wind until 1912, and was used as a bakery until 13 June 1930 when it was burnt down.^[2] The new mill was erected in 1932, Neve's of Heathfield being responsible for the millwrighting work.^[3]

Description

As built, Gibbett Mill was a four-storey smock mill on a single-storey brick base, with a stage at first-floor level. In 1844 she had four Patent sails but latterly was worked with four Spring sails. These were carried in a cast-iron Windshaft. The cap was in the Kentish style, winded by a fantail. The mill drove three pairs of millstones.^[3]

The replica mill bears very little resemblance to an actual working windmill. It has a shorter smock, making the mill appear squatter than the original. The cap is exaggerated in height and is not designed to turn into the wind. Replica sails and fantail are carried.^[3] The reconstructed stage is wider than the original.

Millers

• Frederick Barry: 1824–1844
• John Smith: 1848–1879
• Gorge Standed: 1882–1899
• Webb: 1917

References for above:-^[3]