Chigwell Row Windmill

Lightning Strike

From its prominent position Chigwell Row windmill could be seen breaking the skyline over twenty miles away. Windmills were one of the earliest inventions to harness energy by using the forces of nature. They existed before the 12th century. Popularity increased and it became rare for a village not to have one. Early mills in England were usually owned by the Lord of the Manor, but by the 18th century nearly 200 were in private ownership throughout Essex. They were normally placed on high ground to take full advantage of the wind. Initially windmills were used for milling grain for food production. Later they pumped water and produced electricity.

Being at high altitude had its dangers as events proved when a fierce thunderstorm darkened Chigwell Row. Lightning struck the mill and for several seconds the structure shook at its foundations; one of the sails broke off and was flung some distance, and the upper part burst into flames. Most villagers were already awake as thunder raged overhead and were quick to act. Messengers galloped on horseback to fetch engines from Chigwell and Romford. Engines arrived, but assessing the mill couldn't be saved, the firemen concentrated their efforts on outhouses. Shortly afterwards millstones and machinery gave way and the building collapsed with a tremendous crash.

The Morning Advertiser reported on 1st August 1842: "EFFECTS OF THE LATE THUNDER STORM.-DESTRUCTION OF A WINDMILL BY THE ELECTRIC FLUID-On Thursday morning last, at half-past four o'clock, during the prevalence of the violent thunder-storm, a large body of electric fluid struck the vane of a windmill in Chigwell-row, Essex, belonging to Mr. James Halls, and descended to the interior of the building and set the place in flames. Mr. Clarke, a gentleman, residing in Chapel-house, Chigwell-row, observing the lightning strike the building, and apprehensive of the consequences which would result, immediately proceeded to the dwelling house of Mr. Halls, which is situated a short distance from the mill, and gave an alarm. By the time Mr. Halls had partially dressed himself the interior of the mill was on fire and the flames bursting forth from the windows, so that all hope to save the stock, machinery was fruitless. The interior of the building was totally destroyed. The damage done, including stock, machinery, etc. is about £1000. On the same morning injuries were done by the electric fluid to various houses and buildings in the vicinity of Ilford, Woodford, and Walthamstow, but nothing of so serious an amount as that done to the property of Mr. Halls."