Windmills: restoring England’s working giants

Windmills: restoring England’s working giants

From The English Heritage Podcast by English Heritage

April 23, 2026 · 47 min · Season 2 · Episode 53

About this episode

This episode explores the restoration of windmills in England, focusing on the Sibsey Trader Windmill and the efforts of conservationists.

Mills have towered over English landscapes since the medieval period. In this episode, Amy finds out how modern conservation and passionate people are working to keep windmills alive today. Sibsey Trader Windmill is a magnificently restored mill, now reopened to the public in Lincolnshire. This Victorian tower mill has been rescued from the brink after decades of decline. Nick Holder and Joseph James explain how these beautiful buildings have shaped communities, powered industry, and transformed landscapes. Plus, they tell the story of how this mill and its mechanics have been painstakingly restored to their former glory. Don’t forget to follow this podcast and leave a review if you love the show. Join English Heritage: ⁠https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/join/⁠ Podcast listeners can get 20% off the first year of an annual membership. Use code POD20 at checkout.* Support our work: ⁠https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/support-us/⁠ The English Heritage Trust is a charity, no. 1140351, and a limited company, no. 07447221, registered in England and Wales. *Offer is available through the use of this code and valid for new memberships by annual Direct Debit only. It cannot be used in…

People in this episode

Host: Amy

Guests: Nick Holder, Joseph James

Topics covered

  • windmills
  • conservation
  • history
  • community
  • restoration

Keywords

  • windmills
  • restoration
  • conservation
  • Sibsey Trader Windmill
  • English history

Sponsors

English Heritage

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: English Heritage

Books & works: Sibsey Trader Windmill

Places: Lincolnshire

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