Chesterton Windmill
In December 2023 the Warwickshire County Council (WCC) project team, supported by a licensed ecologist, determined that Chesterton Windmill likely houses a large bat roost. However, the specific species and the number of bats cannot be determined at this time of year due to the winter hibernation period.
In the UK all species of bats, including their breeding sites and resting places, are fully protected by law. This means that no building or repair works can be carried out on a site until the bats leave of their own accord. For more information about this topic, please visit the Historic England website.
This is not the first time WCC has encountered bats on a restoration project, and the team have worked diligently to develop a revised project programme. This factors in the additional requirements for the ecologist to carry out further surveys and tests to clarify the size and type of bat roost. This will inform how the building can be accessed in the future and when is an appropriate time for the works to take place onsite later this year. In February we submitted our Scheduled Monument Consent (SMC) application to Historic England for their consideration on behalf of the Secretary of State, which is a significant milestone for the project. Finally, the team are about to start the procurement process, which includes confirming the suppliers who will start preparing the timber so that it’s ready for the construction of the four sails later this year. We are passionate about restoring the sails of Chesterton Windmill as soon as we can, to be enjoyed by the people of Warwickshire and beyond, and will continue to share the latest information with you as the project progresses.
Sign up for email updatesChesterton Windmill is one of Warwickshire’s most famous landmarks. It has stood on a hilltop overlooking the village of Chesterton for nearly 350 years. It was built around 1632 – 1633, probably by Sir Edward Peyton, who was Lord of the Chesterton Manor House. At this time John Stone, a pupil of Inigo Jones, was in Chesterton designing the new Manor House and he probably helped with designing the windmill as well.
The estate accounts at the Warwickshire County Record Office show that that the structure has always been a windmill, making it the earliest tower mill in England to retain any of its working parts.
The windmill was restored between 1965 and 1974 by Warwickshire County Council who are now the guardians of the Windmill.
Opening times
The windmill is open to the public during Heritage Open Weekends in Spring and Autumn. Find out more about opening dates and times.
Free entry
General admission to the Windmill on Heritage Open Weekends is free.
Parking
There is on road parking nearby. During Heritage Open Weekends a parking area may be provided with a small charge.
Facilities and access
The Windmill is located on top of a hill just off the Fosse Way. Please note that there is no level access up to the windmill. To view the internal workings of the Windmill visitors must ascend a number of steep stone steps.
No public toilets are available at the site.