I have previously posted about both Redcar and Coatham Windmill, generally regarded to have had six and four sails respectively.
This photo of Redcar mill is the only one that seems to be in general circulation, sadly no sails were present at this time.
Recently Ian Weber has suggested to me that the photo widely regarded to be Coatham Windmill could also be Redcar.
His suggestion is that a similar wall with buttresses at the bottom of the photo seems to still exist today ?
Whilst it does look very similar, the argument against this is the two white brick chimneys visible in the background of that same photo (a block of 8 and block of 4) which match those still to be seen on Station Road today.
Let us now turn out attention to a series of old etchings which show the windmills. If we’re looking west at the back of St Peters then the six sail mill is in Redcar to the right and the four sail mill, although appearing close is actually in the distance in Coatham.
This 1836 view east at the tower end of St Peters, shows the six sail mill near to the church as expected.
A similar view looking south-east from the seafront, again shows the six sail mill very clearly.
But finally just to throw a seed of doubt, this 1840 etching appears to show two mills with six sails !
So what of the third windmill ?
It stood near Marsh House Farm at Warrenby and was destroyed by fire in 1815.
I was once told that the sandstone wall near the plimsolline was part of the old windmill
Possibly just a mix-up with similar walls near the bus station.
As a child I remember the Windmill Cafe in station road towards the station, I understand that the gear wheels were found later when a building was being altered at that same sight which might indicate there was a windmill in this area of Redcar. Does any one else know about this. I was born in Westbourne Grove, a very gentille road in those days with The Poplars gates across the top of the road, and sycamore trees all down both sides. The occupiers mostly spinsters who had lost their other halves in the first geat war. I have been back and am sorry to see it being a lot of houses of multiple occupancy. York House was on the end a large sandstone building with a garden, York cottage attached, they shared a cobble back area which had obviously been stables for horses.
Sorry Chris, I posted this on your Lime Kiln entry by mistake – It seems more relevant here! –
WINDMILLS LOCAL TO THE REDCAR AREA
KIRKLEATHAM MILL Post Mill on fields above Yearby village. In 1340 a wind mill at Kirkleatham valued at £4 per annum. Shown in engraving of 1700.
COATHAM (WEST) – Post mill near TODDS POINT – This was the Medieval Mill. Ruinous in 1340 & 1367.
It was either rebuilt or replaced as in 1535 Prior was receiving £20-14s. “from Cottum with wind mill thereâ€.
Worth £2 in 1613 – ex-Monastic lands. Guisborough 1540.
References in gift of Salt Pans to Guisborough Priory by Wiliam de Tockotes.
Shown on estate plans etc.
1347 – Reference in CHANCERY ROLLS relating to complaint that the “miller of West Cothm†with others had taken timber washed ashore which was rightfully the property of the Lord of Mulgrave.
COATHAM (MARSH HOUSE) TOWER MILL with granaries – built before 1740 burnt down 1815.
Coatham was a port – the Turner family were exporting flour to Newcastle & London.
S28(from Peter Verrill’s “Old Recar†Preasentation) COATHAM WINDMILL (West Coatham) Pre. 1832.
It stood behind the Primitive Methodist Church, Station rd, near the junction of Station & Coatham rd.
The precise age of the windmill is unknown but it is certain that it was in existence before 1840.
Originally it was fitted with a huge pair of sails, and in conjunction with Redcar mill it served a very large area of Cleveland.
In the later half of the 19th cent the sails of the mill were taken down, the building fell into disuse & the upper storeys became a refuge for pigeons.
Later the structure became incorporated with the adjoining church buildings & the tower was used as an observatory by one of the ministers, Mr. Franks, who was an amateur astronomer.
During World War 1, the government made use of the tower as an observation post & built an additional room on top for this purpose.
When the local Methodists built the church, it was designed round the windmill, with the chapel upstairs & shops on the ground floor. Eventually it became the dole office. The chapel shops and the remains of the windmill were demolished in 1964 when the United Reform Church Hall was built. A small part of the windmill was retained & built into the walls of the new buildings.
NEWSPAPER REFERENCES:-
1806 January 4th NEWCASTLE COURANT
COATHAM MILL and GRANARIES, below Stockton, situated at the mouth of the River Tees, where vessels may load and unload at all seasons of the year.
JAMES DAVISON respectfully acquaints His Friends and the Public, that he house entered on to the above premises, where he intends carrying on the Flour and Meal business in all its branches, and flatters himself, but by his unremitting attention, he shall be able to supply with the best qualities, and on the most reasonable terms.
Choir is miners themselves all kind of grain, bacon, butter, cheese &c. on commission. Orders will be punctually attended to, and ever gratefully acknowledge – 13th December 1805.
1825 November 5th THE YORK HERALD
THE REDCAR LIFEBOAT, in the year 1822, was found in so dilapidated a state, that it was thought necessary for her to undergo a thurough repair; and under the inspection of Mr Charles Tenant, she was completely repaired and made seaworthy, and was afterwards resigned into the hands of Mr Thomas King, of Kirkleatham, as acting manager, under a Committee of the principal gentleman of Cleveland, who now think it his duty to lay before the committee and subscribers at large, a true statement of the Receipts and Disbursements since he has had the management of the above boat.
Amongst the following list is:- Mr Robert Coulson, Coatham Mill.
1843 March 1st CLEVELAND REPORTER
DEATHS:- On Thursday the 9th ult, aged 14, William, the youngest son of Robert Coulson, of Coatham Mill.
1865 January 16th THE LEEDS MERCURY
TO MILLERS.- Wanted immediately and experienced MILLER as Foreman. The particulars apply to Mr Robert Coulson, Coatham Windmill, Redcar, Yorkshire.
1868 December 5th THE YORK HERALD
TO BE LET, With Immediate Possession, all that CORN WIND MILL, with DWELLING – HOUSE, GRANARY, STABLE, CART HOUSE, and other outbuildings situated within a few yards of Redcar Railway Station, in the County of York, where an extensive business has been carried on the for upwards of 40 years by the late MR ROBERT COULSON.
For particulars, apply to Mr Coulson, Coatham Mill, Redcar.
1869 September 4th THE YORK HERALD
DISTRICT NEWS – POLICE-COURT…….. -Henry Holmes, occupier of the mill at Coatham, was summoned by Robert Coulson, his landlord, for an assault on Saturday night. It appears that there had been some difference of opinion between the parties as to the state of defendants premises, and a person named Tomlinson was called in to inspect the drains. Mr Holmes afterwards invited Tomlinson to inspect his house, and ordered the complainant to keep out of the door. Mr Coulson persisted in following them upstairs, and in the attempts of defendants to prevent him, the assault was committed. The Bench dismissed the case. A “scrimmage” ensued between the parties for possession of a paper in the hands of Mr Lloyd who appeared for the complainant, and resulted in the lease being torn in two. Defendant afterwards apologised for his conduct, and was remitted, with his son, to the custody of the police until the business of the court was ended
1873 January 24th Accreditation “The Redcar & Saltburn Newsâ€.
– Accident at COATHAM MILL On Monday morning last a little boy, 2 ½ years of age, son of Mr. Dowson, miller, went up into the mill to call his father to dinner, As he did not return as was expected an elder brother went to look for him, and found him frightfully injured. It would appear that the child had been playing with a stick, and lost it in the “hopper,†and in trying to get it he was pulled into the machinery and was found with his thigh and knee joint broken. Dr. Bennett was in prompt attendance, and found the child in great suffering from the shock as well as from the injuries he had sustained, On Wednesday the child was sufficiently recovered to enable him to be removed, when he was sent to the Cottage Hospital, North Ormesby
1876 December 18th NORTHERN ECHO
WANTED a respectable GENERAL SERVANT.
– Apply to Mrs Dowson, Coatham mill, Redcar.
S29 (from Peter Verrill’s “Old Recar†Presentation ) REDCAR WINDMILL
Described as newly erected when advertised to be sold in 1838
This 6 sailed windmill consisted of 7 floors with associated granary & drying kiln, a large house & stables, a walled garden & 3 acres of rich grassland.
For a time in the 1830’s the mill was owned by Stephen Coulson, whose brother Robert owned Coatham mill.
a small portion of sandstone wall adjacent to 194 High street is all that remains of Redcar mill granary
NEWSPAPER REFERENCES:-
1834 February 9th THE EXAMINER
BRITISH COLLEGE of HEALTH, NEW ROAD, KING’S CROSS, LONDON.
DISPERSION OF A LARGE TUMOUR UNDER LEFT ARM.
TO MESSRS. MORRIS AND MOAT. Gentleman -on serving in 2 late numbers of the ” New Weekly Dispatch” 2 or 3 scurrilous letters directed against the British College Of Health, and the Universal Medicines, I feel it a duty incumbent on me to declare to the world that those medicines (which Dr Badcock, Medicus, and I.F.C. has been pleased to announce as dangerous, and not possessing the qualities ascribed to them by the proprietors) have totally dispersed a large hard tumour under my left jaw, of 30 years standing, after having had the advice of many (thought to be) eminent M.D.’s of the old school, to no good purpose …………………………………………….(anorther 50 lines!) …………………..
wishing you prosperity, and the enjoyment of a long life, for your philanthropic endeavours to reform the medical art,
I am, Gentlemen, your very sincerely, STEPHEN COULSON, Redcar Mill, Yorkshire, December 22, 1833
1838 June 16th YORK HERALD
REDCAR. ELIGIBLE INVESTMENT.
TO be SOLD by AUCTION, on TUESDAY the 19th day of June 1838, at 3 o’clock in the afternoon, at the house of Mr MARSH, the Cock Inn, in Guisbrough, (Mr WILLIAM SANDERS, Auctioneer,)
all that newly erected and excellent WIND CORN MILL, containing 7 floors, 3 pairs of French stones, one cylinder, Bolting Mill, and although the requisite machinery of the most modern construction, together with the newly built capacious Granary, and Drying Kiln attached and communicating therewith. The Granary is capable of containing 100 Lasts of Wheat.
Also, all that recently built MESSUAGE or DWELLING HOUSE, adjoining to the mill and premises, containing, on the ground floor, a Dining Room and 3 Lodging Rooms; in the Attics, 2 Servants’ Lodgings Rooms, lighted by tilted windows; attached to the premises are a Coach House and Stables, and an excellent Walled Garden.
And also, all that CLOSE, or PARCEL of rich GRASSLAND, lying immediately behind and to the south of the above premises, containing 3 acres, or thereabouts.
The Mill being situate in the most productive agricultural part of Cleveland, is well adapted for carrying on an extensive business, and goods may be conveniently shipped on the coast, at a slight expense.
The whole of the property is Freehold, and is situate in the Parish of Kirkleatham, in the County of York. There is a most extensive and and uninterrupted sea view from the Dwelling House, which, on its contiguity to the fashionable Bathing Place of Redcar, commands respectable Lodgers during the Season. A Right of Common on Coatham Green belongs to the Property.
MR COULSON, the Owner and Occupier, will show the premises; and further particulars may be known on application to Mr HARTAS, of Danby; Mr DIXON, of Guisbrough; or at the office of PALMER, WHETHERILL, and JACKSON, Guisbrough and Stokesley.
N.B. £1000 may remain as security of the Premises, if required.
1870 April 22nd NORTHERN ECHO
TO MILLERS – VALUABLE WIND CORN MILL TO LET AT REDCAR.-
The mill is 6 stories high, averaging 8 feet each, strikes the cloth, turns to the wind by a fan, and contains 2 pairs of excellent French millstones, one machine for dressing flour, and a new Corn Screen. Attached to the mill is a dwelling-house, containing 5 rooms, with every other convenience, and out offices. Maybe entered partner at Mayday next. — For further particulars apply to Mr HENRY HARRISON, the owner, Redcar; or to Mr JOHN COULSON, Cleveland Hotel, Coatham. Redcar, April 20, 1870.
Major source of data is from John Harrison’s book “Eight Centuries of Milling in North East Yorkshire” A monumental work which is the definitive authority on mills throughout the area.
That’s fantastic many thanks Peter, the subject of windmills in Redcar is one that keeps coming back again and again.