Stembridge Windmill

Stembridge is the last remaining thatched windmill in England and the only windmill in Somerset. The mill stands in a superb countryside location on an attractive lane near the small village of High Ham. The mill was constructed in 1822 and remained in operation until 1910.

The rounded mill building is constructed from blue lias stone and is topped by a gabled roof covered in thatch, and stands four storeys high. The milling machinery originally drove two pairs of grinding stones. In 1897 it was converted from wind power to steam, and the driveshaft and gears still remain.

The mill stands immediately beside a historic cottage, formerly belonging to the miller. This cottage is now let by the National Trust as a holiday cottage. Views from the grounds look out over the Somerset Levels.

Stembridge is undoubtedly one of the most attractive mills I've ever had the pleasure of visiting, and the village of High Ham itself is extremely attractive, with a number of historic older buildings.