Bembridge Windmill

These old windmills are the best proof that people were clever enough a number of centuries ago - long before the discovery of electricity and the inventions that resulted from it - to harness the power of the elements for their own purposes: no human or animal muscle power is required for the grinding process, but the wind captured by the wings is enough to drive the heavy millstones and thus, for example, to grind flour from grain (grain mills) or to press oil from olives (oil mills). Unfortunately, they are often only technical and historical evidence of a long tradition of craftsmanship, because most of the old mills have been abandoned over time.

Bembridge Windmill is a grade 1 listed building and dates from 1700. Although it hasn't seen action since 1913, much of its machinery is still in place and a tour round the windmill is well recommended. It is in the care of the National Trust and open during the summer months, usually from April to October.