Come polling day, many of us head to a local primary school or a village hall to cast our vote – but these options pale in comparison to this former polling station.
Situated in the West Suffolk village of Thelnetham, the 18th-century landmark referred to by locals as Button’s Mill was once a place where residents of the Barningham ward could cast their votes, albeit for one year only.
Dating back to 1778, the windmill was originally used to grind wheat into flour and has been the subject of lots of refurbishments over the years. And, for the first time in its 200-year history, it was even used as a polling station during the 2019 General Election.
At the time, the aptly-named volunteer and event organiser, Chris Mills, told Suffolk News that he was ‘pleased’ when the local landmark was selected.
‘I thought it was a great way to get people to come to the mill,’ he said. The windmill meant people in the village could still cast a vote.’
In total, the parish has an estimated population of 263, according to the 2021 census, and the Barningham ward – which is made up of Thelnetham, Hopton, Market Weston, Hepworth, Barningham, Knettishall and Coney Weston – has a population of 2,697.
The site, on the edge of Thelnetham Fen, is also one of only four preserved tower mills left in the county. After becoming derelict in 1926, it was purchased for restoration by mill enthusiasts in the late 70s and it was refurbished by 1987.
Today, the Grade II-listed mill can be visited by the public, and its upkeep is taken on by a team of volunteers.
Chris also told Metro.co.uk that the granary is now used as a meeting room and for art displays, while the mill itself has a visitor centre offering guided tours.
Those who have visited the windmill have praised it online. In fact, it’s rated number one out of the two top things to do in the whole of Thelnetham on Tripadvisor (the other attraction is The White Horse pub).
A reviewer on the website, known only as Doreen G, gushed: ‘The mill is situated in beautiful rural countryside. We visited on one of their open days and were delighted to enjoy – and view and experience – the fruits of the labours of a dedicated group who have put the mill in working order. How fortunate we felt, when just about to leave, that the wind blew gently sending the sails round and round. A perfect end to a perfect visit.’
Another visitor, Paul J, declared it ‘one of the best windmills’ in his review. ‘The setting – a lovely fenland village nestling on the border of Suffolk and Norfolk and a group of enthusiasts dedicated to the restoration of this essential part of the environment.’
Sadly though, the windmill won’t be used in this year’s General Election on July 4th. Instead, residents will head to the village hall once more, as the windmill was only a temporary fix while the the hall underwent refurbishments.
Yes, the windmill might put regular polling stations to shame – but hopefully that won’t deter voters from turning out in their droves this week.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.