An iconic Warwickshire windmill is to undergo a £50,000 refurbishment to ensure its preservation for future generations.

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Scaffolding has already been erected around the near 400-year-old Chesterton Windmill, to conduct what the Coventry Telegraph calls “essential work.”

Windmill’s unique dome structure

The mill, standing five miles south of Leamington Spa, is supported by six stone pillars and was in use until 1910 when its machinery broke down, according to Warwick University. “It not clear if it was originally intended as a functional windmill, or as a folly,” they explained, as the windmill’s unique dome structure suggests it is more likely to be part-observatory.”

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Refurbishment project

It will take contractors around eight weeks to complete the refurbishment, which includes the replacement of the windmill’s 40-year-old metal cladding.

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Councillor Alan Cockburn, Warwickshire County Council’s portfolio holder for sustainable communities, comments: “Chesterton Windmill is one of our best loved landmarks and this essential maintenance work will ensure it is kept in good condition for future generations to enjoy.”

“It is important that we carry out remedial work on the structure rather than allow it to fall into decay. Because the windmill is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, the preservation works are being carried out in strict accordance with the requirements of English Heritage,” he said.

The Chesterton Windmill was built in 1632. It has been under the control of Warwickshire Counting Council and the County Architect Mr Eric Davies since original restoration work commenced in 1966.