Jess Denton
🌀 “Caught in a Whirlwind: The Endearing Tale of Sussex’s Windmill Duo” 🌾
🌤️ Nestled Clayton, in the heart of the Sussex countryside, where the air whispers tales of yesteryear, stand the legendary Jack and Jill.
🌬️ These are no ordinary characters from a nursery rhyme, but rather windmills! Proud and picturesque, they are steeped in history and local lore.
⏳ With sails reaching towards the sky, they paint a scene straight out of a fairy tale. Join us as we spin back the clock and uncover the storied past of Jack and Jill – the windmills that have captured the hearts of Sussex and beyond.
The Early Days
🕰️ A Windmill is Born: The Origin Story
🌾 Back in 1765, long before Jack and Jill became household names, the first windmill, Duncton, was erected on this very site. Imagine a time when windmills were the tech startups of the agricultural world!
🛠️ Duncton was a post mill, the kind that looks like it’s doing yoga stretches to catch the wind. Unfortunately, it had a rather short lifespan. It’s like Duncton was the prototype, paving the way for future windmill innovation in Sussex.
The Arrival of Jack and Jill
🌬️ When Two Became Famous
🛤️ In 1821, a new windmill, known as Lashmar’s New Mill, made its grand entrance. But it wasn’t one to stay put. In a move that predates modern house moving shows, this mill was relocated to its current site in 1836 and later lovingly nicknamed ‘Jill.’
🎩 Meanwhile, ‘Jack’ was born in 1866. This tower mill, standing tall and proud, was like the sophisticated sibling. Together, Jack and Jill became the dynamic duo of the Sussex skyline.
🤝 Why the names? Well, just like the nursery rhyme, these two have been inseparable ever since, sharing the landscape and a bit of cheeky banter, as only true Sussex landmarks can!
The Golden Years
🌟 Heyday and High Jinks
💨 During their heyday, Jack and Jill were not just pretty faces in the countryside. They were hardworking celebrities of the milling world, grinding wheat and making flour, the lifeblood of Sussex’s daily bread.
🍞 Imagine Jack and Jill, covered in flour, hustling and bustling with the energy of a Saturday night dance floor. They were the heart and soul of the community, feeding families and fueling gossip.
📚 There’s even a tale or two about the millers’ rivalry and camaraderie. It’s like a sitcom set in the 19th century, only with more grain and less WiFi!
The Hollywood Connection
🎬 Windmills on the Silver Screen
🌟 Did you know that Jack and Jill are movie stars? In 1974, they made a cameo in the thriller “The Black Windmill,” proving that windmills can have a flair for drama too!
📽️ Beyond the big screen, these windmills have winked at cameras for numerous documentaries and photo shoots. It’s like they’re saying, “Hey Hollywood, need a charming, rustic backdrop? Call us!”
😎 Jill, especially, seems to love the limelight, often posing elegantly for tourists’ snapshots. Jack, on the other hand, plays it cool, like a seasoned actor waiting for the perfect role.
Survival and Legacy
🌱 Standing Tall Through Time
🛠️ Despite the challenges of time, Jack and Jill have managed to survive, thanks to the love and care of dedicated volunteers. It’s like a community spa treatment for windmills!
👷♂️ Today, they stand as proud symbols of Sussex’s heritage, with Jill regularly opening her doors to visitors. It’s a chance to step inside a living piece of history – no time machine needed!
🌍 Their legacy is not just in their picturesque beauty or their role in films. It’s in the heartbeats of every grain they ground and every smile they bring to those who visit them.
