When people visit London, they're most likely looking forward to seeing Big Ben, Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace, the London Eye. You know, typical tourist-y areas.
They're less likely to explore South London, however, understandably - there seems to be less to see on this half of the Thames. But with an area of 645.8 km^2, there must be something to see here. So I will occasionally try to visit some of these less thought about areas. Today, it's the turn of a windmill...
Shirley Windmill
The Wikipedia list of windmills in London reveals that there are only twelve windmills in London left standing. Perhaps surprisingly, seven (eight? depending on your view of Twickenham) are located in South London. Shirley's is a Grade II listed windmill hidden amongst houses, with only two bus routes stopping directly by it - the 130 and 466 - and the tram stops further down Upper Shirley Road at Coombe Lane, as well as the 119, 194 and 198 routes stopping north of the mill.
The windmill was built in 1854, to replace an earlier mill that had burned down, by Richard Alwen, and stopped operating in 1890. This appears to have been due to steam-powered roller mills becoming more preferred due to not being as dependent on the weather as windmills, as well as producing finer white flour that was wanted by consumers. Part of me also speculates that a windmill such as Shirley's might also have cost more to operate. Since then, the mill has been struck by lightning, been at risk of being demolished over suburban expansion, and has had its sails destroyed by gales and parakeets. For the last 100 years, it has been restored time and time again, and is now under the ownership of Croydon Council. The windmill is often open to the public, though it wasn't when I went to see it, and this website will have more information on what to see. But even if you aren't looking inside, it's great to see how the mill stands in the midst of residential housing, hidden away as a landmark of a bygone era in the middle of South London, tucked away next to the Coombe Hills (and near to Lloyd Park) in a wonderful expanse of green space.
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