The lost windmills of Preston

In 1914 a pamphlet was published describing the windmills of the Fylde and Wyre, and including descriptions of nine Preston windmills. The pamphlet, written by a T. Harrison Myres, the son of the 19th-century Preston surveyor John James Myres, was titled ‘Story of the Windmill Past and Present Historically Treated’.

When he was writing only two mills, ‘stripped of their sails’, were still standing. There is now in 2026 only one: the Singleton Row Windmill, which Mr Myres names Windy Mill; it is now known as Craggs Row Windmill.

I’ve extracted the material relating to the nine Preston mills that Mr Myres identified and added it to the Preston History Library. I’ve marked them on the 1840s Ordnance Survey map of Preston (pictured), and added a tenth, which Mr Myres was unaware of. This tenth mill was to the south of the town near Manchester Road. It is shown on the 1665 plan of Preston (pictured).

He also notes that the records of the Preston Court Leet in 1673 mention ‘ye Wind Mill, in Broad gate’. This was not the present Broadgate at the bottom of Fishergate Hill; in those days Broadgate was the name given to the lower stretch of Fishergate.

In 1685, according to the survey conducted that year, there were three windmills in the town: the one on Fishergate, the one south of Church Street and the one labelled Friargate Windmill on the Ordnance Survey map.

Mr Myres was saddened by the loss of so many of the mills:

It is a matter of considerable regret, that out of the several mills which prior to 1846 were in full swing, only the remains of two are left, and, although ancient landmarks, are simply round towers, stripped of their sails, fan sails, and general gearing, and now used for storing purposes. The six other old mills no doubt have been razed to the ground for town improvements, or for additions required to public buildings.

Of the nine mills that Mr Myres names, only one is left, which he names Windy Mill but is now known as Craggs Row Windmill, off Moor Lane. This what he writes about the mill:

It was erected here about 1760, on high ground, so as to secure a good gust of wind. It contains seven strong oak floors, the walls being very thick and massive. The present owner, Mr. T. Garstang, uses the building as a rag and paper store warehouse. The original wheel for hoisting and lowering grain is still doing work, though of a different kind, but new ropes are from time to time obtained. The sails and general gearing were taken down and given to a bazaar committee, towards raising funds for general school extensions, which Preston was called upon to provide in the year 1882.

A good story has often been told in reference to the sign of Windy Mill Inn, which is only a stone’s throw from the mill, and no doubt took its name from the building then standing. The proprietor of the inn required the sign repainting. Having engaged a man to do the work, the bargain was that so much should be paid per letter, viz., a pint of beer. The employed, evidently a thirsty soul, painted an additional letter, as “whind,” thereby gaining an extra allowance.