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Chillenden Mill collapsed during violent storms in November 2003. Chillenden Mill, 1km north of the village, was one of the last post mills to be built in Kent. It was put up in 1868. It is thought that the Mill was Dutch built, and that it was so positioned when replacing an older mill in the area to be visible from Knowlton Court.

The particular location is said to have been to please one of the ladies of the family, who may have lived in Holland for a while. The family owning the estate which included the Mill would have been the D'Aeths, or Deaths, their line ended towards 1900, after which the Speed family took possession.

In 1949 a violent storm damaged the Mill. However it was saved from falling into ruins when it was bought by Kent County Council in 1958. Major restoration work was carried out in 1983. Until its collapse in November 2003 it served as a landmark and a reminder of the days when windmills were dotted along the ridges of the East Kent landscape.

Work began in July 2004 on the reconstruction. of the old mill, The post and main structure were successfully lifted into place on Wednesday 25th May 2005, It is expected that the historic windmill will be fully restored as a landmark and local visitor attraction by the summer of 2005.


The Mill with the scaffolding around the structure.

The final elements of the windmill cladding, and the sweeps were finally installed at the beginning of August.

Now Chillenden Windmill stands proudly on top of the hill restoring the landmark that was sadly missing since its collapse in November 2003.

 The official opening took place on Tuesday 13th September 2005 when Richard King of KCC handed over the keys to Paul Allen (Mill Manager).

The Griffins Head in Chillenden Village is extremely popular, The food is excellent, the beers are Shepherd Neame and its been voted 'Wine Pub of the Year'.


Chillenden Village, Stands a lovley fram house


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