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Fulwell Windmill

Newcastle Road
Fulwell
Sunderland
SR5 1EX
Tel: 0191 516 9790
Web: www.fulwell-windmill.com

Opening times: 12pm - 4pm on

- Sundays all year round (except the two either side of Christmas)
- Saturdays May to September
- Weekdays from the last week in July to the first week in September

Fulwell Windmill started to appear on the Sunderland skyline in 1806 and became the familiar landmark we know today when it opened in 1808. 200 years on, the Mill is still the famous landmark it was then and continues to be one of Sunderland’s most treasured heritage sites.

The Mill was constructed with magnesian limestone from the adjacent quarry It was built for Joseph Swan and his family and continued to operate as a traditional Mill until the beginning of the 20th century. At this time the sails were removed and a gas engine was installed, and the mill continued to produce animal feed for the next half century. The last miller retired in 1949, leading to the deterioration of the Mill.

In response to public concern, the council, known at the time as Sunderland Corporation, fitted four dummy sails in 1955, with some further restoration work carried out in the 1970’s. In 1996 Sunderland City Council started the process which five years later would see the Mill restored to its nineteenth century working condition.

The Mill is now the only working windmill in the North East, preserving skills and traditions that span over seven hundred years of English history. Sunderland City Council continues to invest in, and support the project by maintaining the building and improving both visitor and educational facilities. There is now a video guided tour available in the visitor centre and ground floor of the Mill so all visitors are able to understand the workings of the Mill.

The Friends of Fulwell Windmill are a group of volunteers who help with guided tours, fundraising and promotion of the Mill and new members are always welcome.

2008 marks the bi-centenary of the Mill and a programme of events and activities are currently being planned in order to celebrate this milestone in the city’s heritage.