While exploring on a drone adventure in Howden, East Yorkshire, I stumbled upon an old windmill. Intrigued, I decided to investigate further.

What I discovered was a fascinating piece of history. The windmill was built in 1873 and used to pump water from the brickwork clay pits to the local drainage system. It is one of only four such windmills remaining in the UK.

But the windmill's history goes deeper than that. During the First World War, the British Admiralty needed a suitable site in northeast England for a new airship station to protect the ports and ships from German U-boat attacks. RNAS Howden opened in 1916 and became Britain's largest airship station.

The brickworks at North Howden were closed during the war because the glow from the kiln could be seen from miles away, posing a risk to the nearby airship station. The brickworks couldn't afford the cost of blacking this out.

After the war, the windmill fell into disrepair. But in 1988, the Howden Civic Society decided to restore it. The windmill was reopened to the public in 1991 and is now a popular tourist attraction.

I am grateful to Susan Butler and Philip Mepham for their help in researching the history of the Howden Windmill. I was amazed to learn about the airship station and its role in protecting Britain during the First World War. It is a reminder of the rich and varied history of the East Yorkshire countryside.

Location

Here is a map of where the windmill is. I parked quite easily nearby and it was a small walk to the windmill which can be seen from the road if you are looking out for it.