September at the Windmill

September has seen Heritage Month celebrated at the Windmill, with a focus on life in the rural village of Upminster in the years leading up to the First World War, and on the period up to the closure of the Mill in 1934/5.

During the month a number of household items of the time have been on display. Whilst they would have been familiar to people around the village of Upminster one hundred and more years ago, identifying their use has proved a challenge for many of today’s visitors!

The month has also seen items introduced telling stories of the lives of the Abraham Family, owners of Upminster Windmill for more than 75 years. The Abrahams were closely involved in village life, sharing many of issues experienced by their neighbours, and through them it is possible to get an insight to the social history of the village.

Initial content includes Cricket [the village team at one time played on the Mill Field, and both the Millers John Arkell Abraham and his nephew Alfred played], evidence of the human impact of WW 1 in Upminster, and a wartime wedding involving a well known local family.

A short “Heritage Discovery” Activity Trail for children [and their adults!] based on information on display will be available on an ongoing basis - if visiting please just ask one of the Visitor Centre Volunteers.

Finally, we cant forget our special visitor at the start of September. For those who wondered what the big red thing was in front of the Windmill, maintaining the vintage theme was an 86 year old London Transport Bus built and operated during the early days of the Second World War, largely in condition of the time and with period adverts. On its last day out before winter hibernation it proved to be a source of fascination for many visitors, and we hope to see RT113 again in 2027.