The site of a windmill at Dover Castle has been identified as on the edge of a spur of ground about 250 ft south southeast of St Mary's Church (see illustration card). There is a record of the construction of the windmill in Dover Castle in 1294-95. It is to be found at the Public Record Office in Pipe Roll 29 Edward I rot. 22, mem. ii. As it is described as a stone windmill, it can only be a tower windmill. Nicholas de Eynho, the master mason, was paid 3d a week for working on the foundations of the mill in November 1294. These were covered up for the winter and work recommenced late in March 1295 and proceeded throughout the summer when two women, nine labourers and six masons were employed. The wooden machinery was installed by Master John of Harting. The total cost was £36.6s.11d. There is definite evidence for the erection of atower windmill as early as 1294-95. (1-2)

The windmill tower shown on early views is marked on the 1786 plan as ‘Mortimer’s Tower’ approximately 50 m east of the Visitor Centre, and the only structure shown in this area (now occupied by the The middle Car Park). (3-4)

<1> JBAA 29 1966 75 (J Salmon) (OS Card Reference). SKE44929.

<2> Brown, R, A., Colvin, H, M., Taylor, A, J., 1963, The History of the King's Works Vol.1 and 2, Hist of King's Works 2 1963 638(R A Brown H M Colvin A J Taylor) (Monograph). SKE7875.

<3> English Heritage, 2014, Dover Castle Conservation Management Plan Volume 2 Gazetteer (Unpublished document). SKE52105.

<4> Unknown, 1756, Plan of Dover Castle dated 1756 (Plan). SKE52162.