Description:Hammerwich's windmill was built in 1779 by Thomas Middleton, a maltster. He was still working at the mill in 1823, but in 1824 he conveyed it with the rest of his property in Hammerwich to his son William. By then it was known as Speedwell Mill. It was advertised for sale in In the 1830s, the mill was operated by Thomas Davies.
By 1841, the mill was owned by Elizabeth Benton and was being worked by John Benton, probably her son. He continued as the miller until his death in 1881, and his widow Elizabeth worked the mill until her own death in 1898. It then ceased grinding and was dismantled in 1908. It was bought by Robert Sanders, the Hammerwich postmaster, who converted it into a house and added a battlemented top to the tower. The windmill was given Grade II listed status on 28 June 1973. In 1976-1977, the house was modernized and a fibre-glass cupola was placed on the tower.
Information from Burntwood Family History Group.
Postcard published by Lillywhites (1932) Ltd, Sowerby Bridge