Chimney Mill

If you have ever driven to the city centre, there's a high chance you have parked in Claremont Road Car Park. Those with a keen eye may have spotted what looks like a windmill on top of a row of terraced houses. My partner moved into Spital Tongues a few months back and driving past these 4 or 5 times a week really made me wonder what it actually was! And as someone who works in property I also thought "what a strange place for a windmill!"

Designed by civil engineer John Smeaton, Chimney Mill was built in 1782 and was the first five sailed smock style windmill to be built in Britain and remains the only surviving one in the North-East. As such, it is Grade II listed on the National Heritage List of England.

It was decommissioned in 1891 and then in 1924 the sails were removed with the fan tail being dismantled around 10 years after. It was then converted to a club house for a nearby golf course soon after.

Fast forward to the 1970s, the building was completely restored and in 1980 it was taken over by Claremont Controls. Chimney Mill has played host to a number of businesses including an architecture practice, fashion designers, graphic designers and a dental practice.

Thanks to Kyle Hawkins for the photos and information.