It
was on January 2nd 1919 that the tragedy occurred that was
to bring the Lytham windmill to the end of its working life.
In the midst of a tremendous gale, the sails began to turn
despite being held by a powerful brake and the ensuing sparks
are believed to have set the mill alight.
Following
the fire the mill remained derelict for a good many years
until it was taken over by Lytham Urban District Council.
Repair work was commenced and over the next fifty years the
mill was put to various uses including an electricity sub
station, meeting rooms and, quite uniquely, a tea room.
In
recent years, restoration has made excellent progress and
now, as well as being a well known local landmark, the mill
has become a museum with free access to visitors.
Situated
by the A584 at the southern end of the town's promenade, Lytham
windmill stands over fifty feet high and has a base diameter
of a similar measure. The sails are over fifty-six feet from
tip to tip.
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