It is believed that there has been a windmill, on this site, since 1596. The mill was ideally placed to catch the wind and was able to produce over 100 pounds (45 kg) of flour every 3 to 5 minutes. However, the mill was difficult to access by cart. The previous structure, a wooden peg mill, was destroyed by fire in 1791 (although some sources state 1793). During a gale, the sails got out of control and the friction produced by the revolving wooden mechanism caused the entire mill to burst into flames.  The current building was built around 1800 and continued working as a flour mill until about 1875. After falling into disuse the windmill and the land, on which it stands, was purchased by Birkenhead Corporation and restored from 1894. There is a plaque on the windmill, which reads as follows:

The building was badly damaged in 1927, once again. A public subscription was then raised, in order to carry out the necessary repairs. The windmill has been reconditioned several times, since. During 2006, the roof of the windmill was replaced as part of a refurbishment program, in order to maintain the structure. (photographs of the refurb below)  I have a photograph below showing a young lady on the bridge, dated 1918. No mention if the lost roof then, above. The image was taken in 1918 and passed to me by an ancestor of the lady.

Thanks to Bill Hislop for letting me photograph the image left, of an 18 year
old young lady (ancestor)  taken in 1918. The Mill is roofless due to a recent severe gale. See also hill. The image below was taken in 1928, note - Mill is still roofless!!

This land, including the woods surrounding this windmill, containing with the adjacent piece of land known as Thermopylae about 90 acres was purchased from RG de Grey Vyner during the years 1894 to 1908 at a cost of £30,310. Of this sum the Corporation of Birkenhead contributed £14,625 and £15,685  was raised by public subscription. A portion of this land, viz the eastern wood containing 22 acres, was purchased as a memorial of the late Edmund Taylor, of Oxton, in recognition of his great services in connection with the acquisition of Bidston Hill  for the benefit of the public. The land belongs to and is maintained at the expense of the Corporation of Birkenhead. But according to the deeds of conveyance it must always be used as an open space and place of public recreation and must be preserved and maintained, so far as possible, in its present wild and natural condition. Special care being given to preservation of the trees, gorse, heath and also of this windmill. Bye laws have been made and a keeper and assistant appointed so that they are observed. The public, for whose enjoyment alone the land was secured,  are invited to aid in preserving it from fire and damage. AD MCMIX. This tablet restored 1971. 

The following images are of the massive restoration programme going on at present on the Mill. It was scheduled to be finished in April 2006 but has overrun, but then again
better to get it right first time eh? These were taken June 14th 2006

And then in February 2007 -The windmill roof is done

Any chances of my visiting the Mill on its open days are minimal.
As I work every day that the Mill is open to the public.

Bidston Miller

In 1868 the miller was Mr Robert YOUDS, and his charge for grinding a bushel of wheat was 2d or 8d per sack who died April 27th 1855 aged 64 years
also MARY YOUDS wife of the above who died Feb 17th 1880 aged 89 years. Also ROBERT YOUDS son of the above died July 28 1892 aged 70 years
Also SARAH YOUDS wife of the above who died March 2 1923 aged 90 years. Youds Robert of Heswall cum Oldfield Cheshire
died 28 July 1892. Probate Chester 6 September 1892 to Sarah Youds widow. Effects £1557 11s 6d.  Youds Robert of Heswall cum Oldfield Cheshire
died 28 July 1892. Probate Chester 8 June 1923 to John Halliday police officer. Effects £1503 12s 6d. Former Grant Chester September 1892.

My thanks to Karl Heid for this invaluable information. 

Windmill Renovations - New Roof (Images: Genevieve Woodland)

Water fountain:

http://www.firehydrant.org/pictures/glenfield-kennedy.html

Other Sites

http://visitbidston.blogspot.co.uk

CONTACT