Crux Easton wind engine explained

Crux Easton Wind Engine
Name Of Mill:Crux Easton Wind Engine
Gbgridref:SU 4267 5634
Coordinates:51.3046°N -1.3892°W
Operator:Crux Easton Wind Engine Restoration Trust
Built:1891
Purpose:Pumping mill, sawmill and corn mill
Type:Simplex geared wind engine
Sail Number:One sail
Sail Type:Annular sail
Winding:Fantail
Fantail Blades:Six blades
Pairs Of Millstones:One pair
Saw Type:Circular saw
Other:Built by John Wallis Titt

Crux Easton wind engine is a Grade II listed Titt wind engine, used as a windpump, at Crux Easton, Hampshire, England, which has been restored to working order.

History

Erected for the Earl of Carnarvon in 1891. The wind engine pumped water from a well 410feet deep.[1] It was last used in the 1920s.[2] The sails were removed in the 1960s and placed in storage. Restoration of the wind engine was undertaken by Hampshire Industrial Archaeology Society and Hampshire Mills Group with assistance from the British Engineerium, Hove for the Crux Easton Wind Engine Restoration Trust. The restoration was funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, which was asked to contribute £149,750 of the estimated £226,180 cost. Other grants were received from Basingstoke & Deane District Council, Hampshire County Council.[2] and the Vodafone Charitable Trust. Restoration of the wind engine was delayed due to an outbreak of Foot and Mouth disease. The restored wind engine was officially opened on 25 September 2002 by Sir George Young.[3]

Description

Crux Easton wind engine is a Titt Simplex geared wind engine. It has a 20feet diameter sail[2] mounted on a 35feet hexagonal steel tower.[4] The annular sail has 48 blades, each one 5feet long.[5] It is winded by a six blade fantail.[2] The wind engine was primarily used for pumping water, but also drove a circular saw and a pair of millstones. The mill was capable of producing eight to ten sacks of flour (20st per day).[1]

External links

Notes and References

  1. Book: Major, J Kenneth. Ken Major. 1977. The Windmills of John Wallis Titt. The International Molinological Society.
  2. Web site: Restoring the Crux Easton Wind Engine . Hampshire Industrial Archaeology Society . 22 May 2009 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20081202184352/http://www.hias.hampshire.org.uk/projects.htm . December 2, 2008 .
  3. News: Crux Easton has the wind back in its sails. Jane Meredith. Newbury Weekly News. 26 September 2002 . https://web.archive.org/web/20121021234131/http://www.freewebs.com/windengine/article.htm . 21 October 2012.
  4. Web site: Crux Easton Wind Engine . Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings . 22 May 2009.
  5. Web site: Crux Easton Wind Engine . Hampshire Mills Group . 22 May 2009.