Kemi Badenoch, MP for North West Essex, visited Stansted Windmill recently to see first-hand the restoration work taking place to preserve one of the area’s most treasured heritage sites.
The Grade II* listed windmill, built in 1787, is an ancient monument and an iconic part of the village’s landscape. Gifted to the people of Stansted by Lord Blyth in 1934, it retains much of its original machinery and remains an important symbol of the area’s agricultural and industrial history.
The visit was hosted by members of the Stansted Millers and Trustees of the Windmill, who have led a successful restoration effort with support from the Essex Heritage Trust, the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings, and the Stansted Airport Community Fund.
The recent phase of work, costing approximately £55,000, included essential repairs to the brick tower and repointing of the structure. The next stage is to raise new funds to replace the sails — a vital step in ensuring the long-term preservation of the windmill. The trust can be contacted via [email protected].
Joining Mrs Badenoch on the visit were Tudor Owen (Chairman of the Stansted Millers), Richard Thomas (Treasurer), Trevor Lloyd (Windmill Spokesman), and Maureen Caton (Chairman of Stansted Parish Council). Together, they discussed the importance of ongoing community involvement in maintaining local heritage assets.
Commenting, Mrs Badenoch said:
"Stansted Windmill is a remarkable piece of local and national history. It’s a testament to the care and pride that local residents have in preserving our shared heritage.
“I was hugely impressed by the commitment of the volunteers who give their time to keep the windmill in such good condition, and by the successful fundraising efforts that made recent restoration work possible.
“Community-led projects like this play a vital role in protecting the character of villages across North West Essex, and I’m proud to support them."
