Windmill Hill, Kent

Windmill Hill is an area of Gravesend, Kent. It is named for its erstwhile windmills, offers extensive views across the Thames, and was a popular spot for Victorian visitors to the town, because of the Camera obscura installed in the old mill and for its tea gardens and other amusements. The hill was the site of a beacon in 1377, which was instituted by Richard II, and still in use 200 years later at the time of the Spanish Armada, although the hill was then known as "Rouge Hill". A modern beacon was erected and lit, by then-Mayor Peter Hart, during 1988, for the 400th anniversary of the defeat of the Spanish Armada.

Windmill Hill
Windmill Hill
Location within Kent
District
Shire county
Region
CountryEngland
Sovereign stateUnited Kingdom
Post townGravesend
Postcode districtDA12
Dialling code01474
PoliceKent
FireKent
AmbulanceSouth East Coast
UK Parliament

It was during the reign of Elizabeth I that the first windmill was placed on top the highest point in Gravesend, 179 ft (55 m) above the high water mark of the river. One mill burnt down in 1763, but was replaced the following year and was demolished, having become derelict, in 1894 - the last surviving windmill on the hill. The adjacent public house was destroyed by fire during Mafeking Night celebrations in 1900.[1]

During World War I a German airship passed over Windmill Hill and dropped bombs on it. Today there are three markers indicating where these bombs struck.

Windmill Hill is one of Graveshams 24 conservation areas.[2] The 'Windmill Hill Association'[3] looks after matters related to the area and holds regular meetings to discuss local issues.

References
  1. Coles Finch, William (1933). Watermills and Windmills. London: C W Daniel Company.
  2. Conservation, Gravesham Borough Council
  3. List of specific and general consultation bodies, Gravesham Borough Council


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