Historic windmill forced to close

The Shipley windmill was built in 1879

The largest working windmill in West Sussex has had to close its doors to the public.

Shipley windmill has been forced to close because a new lease could not be secured with the landlord, the Shipley Windmill Charitable Trust said.

The mill has been maintained by the trust for the past 20 years.

Landlord Charles Eustace was not available for comment. He is the great grandson of writer Hilaire Belloc, who owned the mill for 50 years from 1906.

Despite the imminent closure of the mill, the Shipley Windmill Trust and friends will use their remaining funds to make minor improvements to the building before handing it back to the landlord.

Admission to the mill will be free up until closure on the 19 July.

Shipley windmill was built in 1879.