The iconic Moulton Mill has been forced to shut its doors temporarily after bricks fell from the top of the building.
The falling masonry was ‘caught’ by the gallery which runs around the historic mill, but until the problem has been assessed, the mill is closed.
The bad news comes as the mill celebrates its 200th anniversary and events planned later this month have been shelved.
Two days of Woad Fest, which had been due to take place this weekend, had already been cancelled earlier this year.
A special four-day event was held in the spring marking the 200th anniversary of the mill.
It was also at the heart of the village’s celebrations for the Platinum Jubilee.
Chairman of the Friends of the Mill, Alan Lambert, said millwrights would be coming out to assess the situation.
Some of the shutters will be removed so the sails cannot turn as it’s the movement causing the problem.
Safety barriers and warning signs have already been put in place at the mill.
“Ironically, it’s not the 200-year-old bricks which look like the problem, but seems to be those used in the restoration.
“The movement of the cap itself seems to be causing it,” he said.
The mill has been open weekends and Bank Holidays and the popular tea room has been the mainstay of fundraising to keep it going.
“Once the millwrights have been and can ensure the sails don’t turn, we hope to re-open as we were again,” said Mr Lambert.
He has been calling people already booked-in for tea to let them know the situation.
“There should be a coach load of 48 people which we’ve had to cancel”, he said.
The pandemic had an impact on the attraction but the volunteer team ensured it remains a much-used part of the community.
“We are always looking for new people who can spare a few hours to volunteer as guides, tea room or shop assistants. You don’t have to be a milling expert or a chef, all we are looking for is enthusiasm,” said a Friends’ newsletter earlier this year.
The building is the largest surviving windmill in the country at 100ft high to the top of the cap.
Built 200 years ago, the Grade I Listed mill once again produced flour in 2013 – the first time in 100 years.
New sails were fitted in 2011 as part of a £2m restoration project. It had stood with no sails for more than 100 years.
It was originally built by Robert King.
