Bright and breezy at Bidston Windmill

Apr 21 2010 by Jade Wright, Birkenhead News

SEE alternative energy traditional style this May Day.

Bidston windmill will be open to visitors from 10am -12 noon.

Up to the year 1407, Bidston Hill was open for the people of Bidston Village to use freely.

In 1407 a sandstone wall was built to enclose the hill as a deer park for the private use of those who lived at Bidston Hall. Five hundred years later most of the land had been bought back to public use.

The prevailing westerly winds encouraged windmills to be sited on the hill for 500 years. There is a mention of a mill in a lease of Bidston Manor House in 1596. After mill had burned down a new brick building, was erected in the early 1800’s. By 1875 the mill was redundant, but it has been restored, with new sails and machinery. For details call 0151 652 5197 or email birkenheadpark@wirral.gov.uk.