Monument MPM1655 - Former Mile End Mill

Former smock mill (windmill) in the Mile End area on the west coast of Portsea Island 1803 to 1863. Built speculatively by millwrights Theophilus Lewis in 1803 with 3 pairs of burr stones and announced as the largest mill in England. Originally had a tail pole. A steam engine was installed in 1838 by John Poate. [1]

Described as a smock mill in 1808 [2], and as a as a windmill with adjoining 8hp steam mill in 1844 [3]. Burnt down in 1863 [1]. Also known as Dennison's Mill [4 p91]. Shown on 1833 map south of Mile End Cemetery [5].

Advertisements in Hampshire Telegraph:

12 September 1803
Mr Lewes has completed on Portsea Island 'the largest corn mill in England'

18 Jan 1808
Newly erected smock mill to let, convenient for land and water carriage.

5 Feb 1844
'Wind and steam corn mills for sale with bake house, dwellings, gardens and coal yard. Windmill driving 2 pair french stones. Also 8hp steam mill. Yard adjoining the sea.'

<1> Riley, Ray & Yoward, Tony, 2001, Structuration Theory and 19th Century Corn Milling in Portsmouth (Bibliographic reference). SPM293.

<2> Hampshire Telegraph, 1808, Hampshire Telegraph (Bibliographic reference). SPM306.

<3> Hampshire Telegraph, 1844, Hampshire Telegraph (Bibliographic reference). SPM307.

<4> Gates, William G, 1972, Portsmouth in the Past (Bibliographic reference). SPM308.

<5> Lewis, I.T. & C, 1833, Island of Portsea including the towns of Portsmouth and Portsea with the Dockyard and other Public Establishments (Map). SPM305.