History on the Doorstep: Thaxted Windmill
Ever wondered what went on behind the ancient, plastered house fronts of Hertfordshire and Essex? We are blessed to live in an area where history jumps out at us from every side, but what was life really like? Join Siobhan Kirrane as she travels to different sights, meeting some fascinating people and exploring the stories behind some of the local landmarks you thought you knew. Thaxted Windmill Built over two hundred years ago, John Webb's Windmill in Thaxted is undergoing a major makeover. It is awe inspiring in both its scale and beauty, but what was it like to work in? Conditions were tougher than you might think. Siobhan is joined by Mark Rickards from the Thaxted Windmill Trust as they travel back through time... This episode was recorded in August 2026. It was produced with the help and support of TouchPoint, a registered charity which serves the West Essex and East Herts area. Get in touch Please email us on podcasts@thetouchpoint.org if you have any questions or recommendations of where to visit. About TouchPoint TouchPoint is a community-led charity with a simple but powerful purpose: to create positive social impact by building community resilience across West Essex and East Hertfordshire. Visit the website on www.thetouchpoint.org You can also email on info@thetouchpoint.com or send a message to 07572 114882 Visit John Webb's Windmill If you'd like to see the windmill, Thaxted is served by regular bus services, including the 316, which runs between Stansted Airport and Saffron Walden and the 313/314 which runs between Great Dunmow and Saffron Walden. Get off at Thaxted Church or The Guildhall, both of which are just a short walk from the windmill. If travelling by car, free parking is available at Margaret Street car park, a short walk from the windmill. Head towards the church and then follow the path that runs from the main church entrance, between the alms houses and past the graveyard. The windmill's address is Fishmarket Street, Thaxted, CM6 2PG. Please note: John Webb’s Windmill is currently closed to visitors while a major restoration project takes place, with reopening hoped for in spring 2028. Thaxted Library and Information Centre is also a welcoming place to visit, featuring leaflets about the windmill and the town. It’s open on Tuesday afternoons, Friday mornings and all day Saturday. Thaxted Market also takes place every Friday morning. This restoration project has been made possible thanks to the generous support of: The NLHF Historic England The Pilgrim Trust The Essex Heritage Trust Hunts and Yardleys Charities of Thaxted The generosity of the residents of Thaxted and surrounding area Additional Web Resources www.thaxted-pc.gov.uk/tourism/short-history-of-thaxted www.johnwebbswindmillthaxted.com
