Tony Clamp

Tony Clamp (born 1960), a fourth-generation New Bradwell resident, grew up with Bradwell Windmill as a constant landmark. As a child, he and friends accessed the semi-derelict mill using a key from the recreation ground keeper — sometimes free thanks to his grandfather’s role. Despite its dangerous condition, with broken sails and unstable ladders, it was a place of adventure. He recalls writing his name in pencil on the central post as a child — markings that still survive.

Tony became involved as an adult in the early 1990s after volunteers were sought to help preserve the mill. He served as head of maintenance, drawing on his engineering background at Wolverton Works. A small volunteer group held monthly meetings, organised open days and ran fundraising events such as the popular “Mill on May Day,” which drew hundreds of visitors.

The group focused on practical upkeep: greasing mechanisms, tidying the site, and minor repairs. Tony’s family contributed creatively — his father designed souvenir artwork and built a grate for the mill’s unusual internal fireplace. The fireplace, rare in windmills due to the risk of flour dust explosions, vented through a wall opening rather than a chimney. Leather hinges and brass screws were used on trapdoors to prevent sparks from hobnailed boots, reflecting historic safety adaptations.

The mill was never operational during Tony’s time. Many internal mechanisms, including governors to regulate sail speed, were missing. On occasions when sails were allowed to turn, the lack of control systems made it risky. The sails installed during restoration were considered too heavy and may have contributed to mechanical strain on the cap mechanism.

Vandalism was a recurring challenge. The mill suffered break-ins, arson damage to doors, and deliberate defacement. An alarm system was eventually installed, though it was not connected to a phone line. Tony served as a key holder, responding to nighttime alerts despite local ghost stories surrounding the building.

For Tony, the windmill represents identity and continuity — “a landmark of New Bradwell.” Though he doubts it will ever fully function again due to cost and safety constraints, he believes it should be preserved as a monument to local history. He stresses the need for a new generation of volunteers to take responsibility for its care, ensuring the survival of a structure that has defined the community for generations.