Windmills and Waterwheels Explained

This illustration-packed guide provides a fascinating insight into the world of watermills and windmills - their history, how they work, who made them and why, plus much more.

It's easy to forget, but for many centuries waterwheels provided the only source of power available to man apart from animals and his own sweat. Used in the British Isles for at least 2,000 years, they were joined in the 12th century by windmills, both reigning supreme until the arrival of the steam engine in the 18th century.

Even then, as simple and reliable machines, many worked on into the 20th century. This extraordinarily long timespan has made them a key part of our history, deeply set into our consciousness, with almost everyone knowing what they are. But how many of us know what they did or how they worked?

This book sets out to explain just that.

Using easy-to-follow text, plus extensive drawings and photographs, Stan Yorke takes us on a journey of discovery. The book describes the various styles of mill, the process of grinding grain to produce flour, and looks in some detail at the way the energy of the waterwheel or the windmill's sails are used to power the machinery.

The explanations and illustrations are tied directly to artefacts that we can still see today. So this is not just a history book, but also a guide to the workings of these wonderful machines.

Fortunately there are some 400 restored mills that can still be seen in Britain today - many working, some even producing flour for sale. The book includes a list of the best places to visit, plus a glossary to explain any unfamiliar terms.