Windmill Hill, Kent

Windmill Hill, located in Gravesend, Kent, named for its erstwhile windmills, offers extensive views across the Thames, and was a popular spot for Victorian visitors to the town, because of the Camera obscura installed in the old mill and for its tea gardens and other amusements. The hill was the site of a beacon in 1377, which was instituted by Richard II, and still in use 200 years later at the time of the Spanish Armada, although the hill was then known as "Rouge Hill". A modern beacon was erected and lit during 1988, the 300th anniversary.

It was during the reign of Elizabeth I that the first windmill was placed on top the highest point in Gravesend, 179 ft (55 m) above the high water mark of the river. One mill burnt down in 1763, but was replaced the following year before being demolished in 1894. The last surviving windmill was destroyed by fire during Mafeking Night celebrations in 1900.^[1]

During World War I a German airship passed over Windmill Hill and dropped bombs on it. Today there are three markers indicating where these bombs struck.

Windmill Hill is one of Graveshams 24 conservation areas.^[2] The 'Windmill Hill Association'^[3] looks after matters related to the area and holds regular meetings to discuss local issues.

References

1. ^ Coles Finch, William (1933). Watermills and Windmills. London: C W Daniel Company. 
2. ^ Conservation, Gravesham Borough Council
3. ^ List of specific and general consultation bodies, Gravesham Borough Council