Wicken Mill Sets Sail to Become Britain's Windiest Windmill

Historic Cambridgeshire flour mill aims to surpass 100,000 sail revolutions in annual competition

Apr. 12, 2026 at 6:53pm

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An out-of-focus photograph of the sails of Wicken Mill gently turning in the wind, with the surrounding countryside blurred into a warm, hazy background, capturing the peaceful, timeless quality of the mill's operation.The historic Wicken Mill, with its sails turning in the wind, continues to grind flour using traditional methods, a testament to the enduring appeal of British windmills.Soham Today

A historic flour mill in Cambridgeshire, Wicken Mill, has set its sights on becoming the windiest windmill in Great Britain. The mill, which was restored in 1987 after closing in 1933, has been meticulously counting its sail revolutions each year and has landed in seventh place in an international competition, the highest ranking for a British mill. With plans to surpass the 100,000 revolutions mark this year, the mill's dedicated team is committed to maintaining traditional milling methods and serving a range of customers.

Why it matters

Wicken Mill's pursuit of the 'windiest windmill' title highlights the ongoing importance of preserving and celebrating Britain's rich milling heritage. As some mills have turned to modern electric motors, Wicken Mill's commitment to traditional wind-powered operation sets it apart and underscores the enduring appeal of historic craftsmanship and sustainable practices.

The details

Wicken Mill, located near Soham, was built in 1813 and closed in 1933 before being meticulously restored by the Wicken Windmill Partnership starting in 1987. The mill's current miller and amateur millwright, Kelvin Law, explains that the team needs to mill as often as possible to generate income and maintain the historic building and machinery. Unlike some mills that use electric motors, Wicken Mill relies solely on wind power, which Law says is the 'traditional way' they prefer to operate.

  • Wicken Mill was built in 1813.
  • The mill closed in 1933.
  • The Wicken Windmill Partnership began restoring the mill in 1987.
  • Wicken Mill is currently competing in an international competition to become the windiest windmill in Great Britain.
  • The mill is aiming to surpass 100,000 sail revolutions this year.

The players

Wicken Mill

A historic flour mill in Cambridgeshire, England that was built in 1813, closed in 1933, and then meticulously restored starting in 1987 by the Wicken Windmill Partnership.

Kelvin Law

The current miller and amateur millwright at Wicken Mill, responsible for maintaining the traditional wind-powered milling operations.

Wicken Windmill Partnership

The group that oversaw the restoration of Wicken Mill starting in 1987 after the mill had been closed for decades.

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What they’re saying

“We need to mill as often as we can to generate income and maintain this wonderful building and machinery. It's a major privilege to be involved with such a unique and special place.”

— Kelvin Law, Miller and Amateur Millwright

“We prefer to do it the traditional way, even though some mills use electric motors for convenience.”

— Kelvin Law, Miller and Amateur Millwright

What’s next

Wicken Mill plans to surpass the 100,000 sail revolutions mark this year in its quest to become the windiest windmill in Great Britain.

The takeaway

Wicken Mill's dedication to preserving traditional wind-powered milling methods and its participation in an international competition to become the windiest windmill in the UK underscores the enduring appeal of historic craftsmanship and sustainable practices in an era of increasing automation and convenience. The mill's success serves as an inspiring example of how community-driven efforts can help safeguard Britain's rich milling heritage.