National Mills Weekend: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about National Mills Weekend (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. National Mills Weekend is observed on May 13th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of National Mills Weekend, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as important facts you might want to know about National Mills Weekend.

📅 What day is National Mills Weekend 2024?

In 2024, National Mills Weekend is on Saturday, May 13th. It is the 2nd Saturday in May; in 2024, it is Monday. There are until the next observance. You also can discover all the exciting details and facts about May 13, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

National Mills Weekend is a special event in the United Kingdom that happens every second weekend in May. This year, it will be held on May 13-14. The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings, specifically the Wind and Watermills section, is responsible for organizing this celebration. During this weekend, protected wind and watermills, which are usually not open to the public, welcome visitors and offer a chance to learn about their operations, history, and how they function.

📜 National Mills Weekend History

The earliest mention of a water-powered wheel can be traced back to the writings of the Greek engineer Philo of Byzantium, who lived between 280 and 220 B.C. Watermills started gaining popularity in Ireland in the seventh century and soon spread to Germany. By 1870, watermills supplied around two-thirds of the power used for grain milling in Britain. During the nineteenth century, there were nearly 20,000 watermills in Britain, serving various purposes such as grinding bones for fertilizer, papermaking, and powering forge hammers. However, with the advent of cheap electrical power in the early twentieth century, watermills became obsolete.

To raise awareness about the importance of preserving and maintaining traditional mills, National Mills Weekend is organized. This event allows the public to visit watermills and windmills that are typically closed for protection. The official website of National Mills Weekend provides information about the mills open for tours each year, offering a chance to learn about their history.

✅ National Mills Weekend Facts

🔖 Ex-president George Washington built a mill
George Washington, who would later become the first President of the United States, constructed a merchant mill on his Mount Vernon estates in 1771. This mill utilized a water wheel measuring 16 inches in diameter.

🔖 The first modern windmill
In the 1940s, the United States installed the very first version of what is now called a wind turbine, a more advanced form of a windmill.

🔖 Windmills have existed for a long time
Ancient sailors in Persia and China harnessed wind power through windmills to propel their boats, while farmers made use of windmills to pump water.

👍 Why Is National Mills Weekend Important

Aside from National Mills Weekend, only authorized visitors are permitted to see the mills. During this particular occasion, however, all mills around the country are available to visitors.

This event instills information in persons who are uninformed of the operation of mills and their industrial influence. As a result of celebrating this weekend, the vast majority of individuals will be able to learn something new for themselves and their loved ones.

National Mills Weekend recognizes the people who are interested in this industry. Similarly, individuals who wish to make a profession out of harnessing the natural energies of water and wind look forward to this event so that they may learn more about the topic.

🙂 How To Observe National Mills Weekend

⚡ Spread Awareness

⚡ Visit a Mill
During National Mills Weekend, the majority of the country’s mills are open to visitors. Take this opportunity to explore different mills and gain a deeper knowledge of the industrial sector.

⚡ Read about its history
Share your windmill and watermill expertise with your friends. You may discuss it with your friends or post about it on social media.

📅 When is National Mills Weekend?

See all 🔗 May holidays, including 🔗 Special Interest and other 🔗 Appreciation holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and cool facts about National Mills Weekend. So be sure to check back soon.