Patcham Windmill
When my former work colleague, Bob Baker, bought Patcham Windmill it had been derelict for two years and was in a bad way. Eleven years later and after having just undertaken a five month redecoration, Bob is now looking to sell which prompted me to ask for a tour for myself.
It goes without saying that the views over the South Downs from the rendered five storey 50ft tower are spectacular. For this very reason it was requisitioned by the Home Guard during the Second World War. It is believed that the spiral staircase in the tower originates from St. Paul’s Cathedral which makes sense as one of the previous owners was an important clergyman. It reverted to private use in 1950 and was Grade II Listed in 1952. In more recent times, a lightning strike caused considerable damage leading to a massive repair programme.
