Clerkenwell windmill, London

Clerkenwell #2618

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NGR: TQ312827

(51.52850,-0.1094)

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Map/aerial photo of the area around the mill

Tower mill function:Pumping mill/wheel - truncated tower, within the former waterworks site, which is becoming the Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration.

Built to pump water from The New River, but not very successful. Only worked for a few years, then replaced by a horse driven pump, and later by a steam driven one. In its long life as a redundant windmill, it was adapted in many ways so there's very little mill related evidence remaining in the truncated tower.

The builder's dictionary, or, Gentleman and architect's companion, 1734

About 30 Years ago, there was a Wind mill erected near the New-River, between London and Islington, with six Wings, being the admirable Contrivance of that ingenious Architect Mr. Surrocole, in order to convey Water from the lower Ponds, through Pipes under Ground, to a new one made on the Top of the Hill, consisting of an Acre of Ground, which serves successfully to supply the great Increase of new Buildings of London, especially to the West-ward; but a sudden Gust of Wind, or rather a Whirlewind, blew it down about 20 Years ago: however it was soon restored: It was also on the 20th of November 1720, blown down again, by a terrible high Wind that then happened; but the Proprietors have not thought fit to put up the Sails again, but erected another Mill near it; both which are drawn by Horses.

Signboard says:

The Round House
Remains of the windmill used c.1707-1720 to pump water from the Round Pond to the Upper Pond (now Claremont Square reservoir)

Clerkenwell, 17th Sept 2006

The compound to the windmill base at New River Head, protected by a multi-lock system, June 2014
© Mark Berry

Entry in Mills Archive database - #2618 - New River Head Mill, Clerkenwell (has photos)

The mill, designed by engineer George Sorocold in 1707, was worked by both horse and wind power. It pumped water from the New River to nearby houses. In 1720 the sails were blown off and the mill thereafter was worked only by horse power. By the early 19th century only the base remained.