James Gray: This photograph is, of course of the Rottingdean Mill, period unknown but judging by its sorry appearance, probably in the 1900s. jgc_32_102
2019: This Grade II listed smock mill was built in 1802 and was in business, milling local grain until 1881. It was then neglected for 40 years, suffering fire damage, loosing its sweeps and becoming completely derelict. But in 1922 Rottingdean villagers saved it by raising £400 and it has been protected, maintained and gradually restored ever since. It has been under the care of the Rottingdean Preservation Society since 1960. Exterior renovation took place in 1975 and the sweeps were removed and repaired in 1988. (Photographer: Ron Fitton)
James Gray: Photograph of this old mill, at periods before urban development of Rottingdean began. The mill was renovated in 1936 and this photograph was taken in 1933. jgc_32_103
2019: The 1933 picture here shows the mill in a sorry state but it was about to have a major overhaul thanks to the generosity of a Mr Yapp of Haywards Heath, whose hobby was repairing windmills. In 1935 he came up with the funds for Fred Neve, the Heathfield millwright, to make the mill weatherproof and safe. As part of the work the structure was strengthened sufficiently for a new set of sweeps to be fitted and for the first time in decades it looked like a proper working mill again. (Photographer: Ron Fitton)
James Gray: Rottingdean was then a village but in 1928, after incorporation, the mill became the property of Brighton Corporation. jgc_32_104
2019: This James Gray photograph shows clearly how exposed to the very worst of the wind and weather the mill is. It stands alone near the cliff edge, buffeted by the prevailing south-westerly winds that often reach gale force in the winter. No wonder its history is a story of constant repairs and renovations. When Rottingdean became part of Brighton Borough in 1928 the Corporation acquired the lease of the windmill from the Abergavenny estate which previously owned the land where it stood. The Corporation joined in the effort to preserve it while it was in their care – in 1929 it was re-tarred and basic repairs carried out. (Photographer: Ron Fitton)
James Gray: A later view. jgc_32_105
2019: This James Gray picture gives another good view of the site of the mill, on the slope of Beacon Hill. It is sometimes known as Beacon Mill in local records. At the top of the hill, 216 feet above sea level, there used to be a warning beacon ready to be lit to raise the alarm if there was a threat of invasion from France. According to local legend, the mill itself was used for signalling too, but by smugglers. The sweeps could be set to signal a warning that customs officers were in the area or to say the coast was clear to land contraband goods. (Photographer: Ron Fitton)
James Gray: The windmill and the Downs above Rottingdean. Summer 1934. jgc_32_106
2019: The James Gray picture shows how close to the heart of the village the mill is. The artist Sir William Nicholson, who lived in The Grange on Rottingdean Green between 1909 and 1914, is believed to have been inspired by the view when he designed the famous logo of a mill used on books published by William Heinemann. (Photographer: Ron Fitton)
James Gray: Four photographs of Rottingdean and Saltdean, taken during an afternoon walk during 1928. [See also jgc_32_036 and 037 on the Saltdean seafront page] Additional Information: Windmill. jgc_32_034