Medieval Windmill Site Complete With Moat Uncovered In England

The report of the unusual find of a medieval windmill surrounded by a moat has just come from Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA). So what have they learned from the site, and why would a windmill have a moat?

Here’s the MOLA report…

All along the National Highways A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet improvement scheme, we have uncovered ancient ways of life, work, and even play. One outstanding recent discovery with an incredible wealth of finds is the remains of a medieval (AD 1066-1485) windmill.  

To celebrate National Mills Weekend 2024 on Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th May, we wanted to share what makes this a one-in-a-mill-ion find!

Location, Location, Location… 

Our windmill once sat on high ground surrounded by farmland. Imagine how this would have looked in the medieval period, with the mill’s huge sails swooping over fields of wheat, barley, and oats. The local community would have grown their grain in large open fields, which belonged to the lord of the manor.

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