The opening of Polegate Windmill

From the collection of

Screen Archive South East at the University of Brighton
Screen Archive South East at the University of Brighton collects, preserves, catalogues and provides public access to its collection of films and magic lantern slides. The collection charts the rise of screen culture in the region and the nation and captures many aspects of life, work and creativity in the South East from the late 19th century to the present day. It is available for research, screenings, creative re-use and commercial access.

The opening of Polegate Windmill


The spinning ornamental garden windmill gives a clue to the rest of this film. Shots of Polegate's restored windmill follow, showing many of its details, before we join the opening celebrations. We see an old man wearing a smock and a team of campanologists ringing their hand bells. After his speech, the door to the windmill is opened by the Duke of Devonshire and the sails start turning. Children play on an antique hay cart after which we see more shots of the windmill in action.


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