The Full Story
The History of The Windmill
A tower windmill was built to the north of the green in 1835, grinding corn from local arable farming to produce flour. The windmill was a local landmark seen for miles around from all points of the compass but it fell into disuse during the 20th century. It suffered a disastrous fire in 1969 after which it was demolished and the site was redeveloped with two detached houses. Terraced housing for farm workers and their families, was added to the north-west side of the green during the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, Rodmersham Green comprises a vibrant small community served by a public house, a primary school, a shop and a village hall
Early 20th century photograph of the former windmill
Rodmersham Green is part of the civil parish of Rodmersham. The name is derives from Anglo Saxon ‘Hrothmaer’s Ham’ meaning Hrothmaer’s settlement or village.
In medieval times the settlement fell under the Manor of Milton and consisted primarily of dispersed farmhouses and cottages. The parish church, located some 1km to the east of the green, dates from the 13th century and is dedicated to St. Nicholas.
A handful of houses and cottages were built around the green during the 17th and 18th centuries at which time owners would have benefited from commoners’ rights to graze cattle on the green, courtesy of the Lord of the Manor.
Rodmersham Green as we
know it now
For a large part of the 20th century Rodmersham Green was surrounded by fruit orchards but by the turn of the 21st century many of the orchards had been grubbed out and turned over to arable farming.
The green itself has a strong identity and sense of place. Its extent is well defined, mainly by buildings, but also by trees, particularly along its southern edge. Trees make a significant contribution to the special character of the area.
