Windmill puts spin on 200th anniversary celebrations

May 9 2008 by Chris Robinson, The Journal

THE Fulwell Windmill, Sunderland, will host a number of activities coinciding with its 200th anniversary this weekend.

Pupils from Eppleton Primary School, Hetton-le-Hole, yesterday began the journey back in time to uncover its milling routes.

A host of events are planned this weekend with a family fun day on Saturday, and eight-mile ‘Miller’s Trail’ adventure trek on Sunday, taking in sights from nearby Whitburn and Cleadon, South Tyneside.

Coun Mel Speding, member for culture and leisure, said: “This is a truly unique celebration for Sunderland, as one of its oldest and best-loved historical attractions commemorates its bicentenary.”

Builders began working on the windmill in 1806 and it opened two years later in the January under the development of Joseph Swan.

Acting curator Ken Barella, added: “We are getting more and more tourists here and it is building up.

“In fact, there are quite a lot of people in the area who will drive past it but have never been inside, so we hope they come and enjoy its history.”