Break In At Historic Windmill

A thief has broken into an historic Derbyshire landmark.

Heage Windmill, in Chesterfield Road, was broken into sometime between 2.30pm on Wednesday, August 9 and 9am the next day.

An important weather station (used to determine if conditions are suitable for milling) was broken, an antique mill bill and donation tin was stolen and the visitors guide was also vandalised.

The Heage Mill Society said: “We were horrified this morning to find that persons or person unknown had broken into our much loved 220 year old Grade 2* listed six sail windmill!”

“The heavy west door of the mill had been forced open and damaged and there were various pieces of evidence of mindless damage, both in the mill itself and in the Undercroft where there are various mill displays used to explain the story of the mill.”

“Most distressing is the theft of a 150 year old mill bill, used to sharpen the millstones, which was already attached to the structure by a chain, since these are almost irreplaceable.”

It is believed that access to the area was gained through a trap door in the floor of the mill used to provide additional ventilation.

Steps have already been made to secure the property and further steps will be in hand to protect the important heritage site.

The mill will open as usual on Saturday at 11-00am and on Sunday.

Witnesses or anyone with information should call Derbyshire Constabulary on 101 quoting reference 17000341199. You can also call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111