Cleadon Windmill

The ruined Cleadon Windmill sits at the highest point of the Cleadon Hills and has wonderful views of the surrounding area. It was a clear day when we visited and could see Penshaw Monumen and the Northern Spire Bridge in the distance.

The windmill itself was built in the 1820s, but was damaged in storms during the 1870s. During the First World War it was used as an artillery base and probably also target practice.

The entrance is now locked, but you can still have a wander around the outside. It's a beautiful location with plenty of nearby walks around the hills and is also of national importance because of the wildflowers which grow here due to the shallow magnesian limestone soil.

From here there are spectacular panoramic views across the area.

You know how much we like our history and legends, so here is another one. A local lass called Elizabeth Gibbon was heartbroken, threw herself from the top of the mill tower and apparently her ghost still haunts the windmill to this day. At the time the storm took place the windmill was operated by the Gibbon family which adds more bearing to the story!