Winslow History | Windmill Inn

Windmill Inn

Article by Ed Grimsdale
Information about the building
The mill itself

Two Hundred Years of Protestant Tradition at The Windmill Inn

by Ed Grimsdale

The Windmill Inn stood at 33 High Street on the corner with Vicarage Road. The buildings now house a Veterinary Practice and they have gone through many transformations in the past. The present, neat Victorian frontage is a mere carapace and hiding behind are bricks and mortar that have learned to adapt to changing needs over hundred of years. It’s infuriatingly difficult to pin down when an Inn first took root on this site. But, this piece may show a little evidence that The Windmill stood upon its principles as early as 1650.

We do know that ownership of The Windmill was unusually settled. From before 1752 to 1835, members of the Gibbs family were in chargeas owners, licensees or both. Such circumstances can lead to “family traditions” and this seems to have been the case with The Windmill.

The Windmill’s tradition was to hold a sumptuous dinner on November 5th each year. Yes, it celebrated the failure of Guy Fawkes’ Gunpowder plot. The piece below reveals that in 1844, those attending celebrated as many as 200 years of such feasts. Given the continuity of management, it may well be that the assertion was true: hence it’s reasonable to speculate that The Windmill was serving drinks and food in 1650.

In 1844, songs were sung. The Chairman of the feast was Mr George Maydon – almost certainly a relative of the William Mayden (sic!) who was licensed to serve ale in The Windmill in 1790 & 1795. The splendid “200th Birthday” party received press coverage and a report appeared the following week in The Bucks Herald. It reveals that a special song had been written for the event. The song’s contents - rabidly Protestant and feverishly anti-Papist - hark back to earlier times. Words and phrases remind me of those verses in The National Anthem that we omit to spare our own blushes!

It’s dangerous, inflammatory stuff that we should read in a context: the Catholic Emancipation Bill had been forced through a reluctant Parliament in 1829. Its tenets were unpopular with many, possibly most, voters, and North Bucks, which had a strong protestant, dissenting tradition, was no exception. When Hymns Ancient and Modern was first published in 1861, there were letters to the national press from Church of England clergyman living in this area reviling the popular hymnal for its reliance on ancient Catholic hymns which were full of sentiments that they could neither espouse nor sing.

How long did the Anti-Papist Annual Dinner at The Windmill survive? Times, mores and traditions did change, little by little. The hatred created by Guy Fawkes' act of treachery in 1605 faded, look back in anger morphed into a nursery rhyme “Remember, remember, the fifth of November”, rallies, feasts and protest songs were binned. In their place a children’s festival of fireworks arose. Did the spark go out of The Windmill’s event when sparklers were placed in the hands of children?

Report in the Bucks Herald (9 Nov 1844)

WINSLOW – The annual supper took place at the Windmill Inn, in the town, on Tuesday last, the 5th of November, a commemoration that has been observed in that Inn, according to tradition, for nearly two hundred years. A most respectable company assembled to partake of the convivialities of the evening, the chair being taken by Mr George Maydon, whose efficiency and pleasantry of deportment rendered the occasion more than usually interesting. Several songs were sung, amongst which was the following, composed in special celebration of the event:-

About two hundred years ago,
If tradition tells us true,
Our forefathers assembled here,
Mirth and pleasure to pursue
With tables well provided,
With the best of Britain’s land,
They pass’d their days in jollity,
Till exhausted was life’s sand.
CHORUS
So deem it not surprising
If we follow in the wake

Past history informs us,
Upon this very night,
The dark designs of Popery
Were fully brought to light;
And though many years have rolled away
Since that foul and bloody plot,
As Protestants we still declare
It ne’er shall be forgot.

The shades of the departed,-
The martyrs of past times,
Still haunt imagination,
And tell us of their crimes
That stain the page of history
While Rome bore ruthless sway; -
And restore but her supremacy,
She’d shew the same array.

May Protestant ascendancy
Still rule the British Isles,
And blasted and confounded be
All Popish tricks and wiles;
And should another Guy appear
A second plot to act,
May he, like his progenitor,
Be taken in the fact.

A Guy Fawkes Acrostic Poem from Winslow

The citizens did not lay down their pens after 1844 on the subject of the Gunpowder Plot. In 1883, George D. Day of Winslow won the prize of two guineas (£2.10) offered by the proprietors of the Weekly Despatch for the best-rhymed acrostic on “Guy Fawkes’ Day”. His tone is a little milder than that of the lyricist who wrote the song, but is this poem, in some sense, a response to those earlier lines?

Grim spirit of the past, whose odious name
Undying ages brand with ceaseless shame;
Yet from thy crime let so-called patriots see

Freedom can ne’er be gained by devilry.
A nation’s wrongs how think they to redress,
While stained her hands are in blood-guiltiness?
Kindling the torch of discord and unrest,
Embit’ring even those who loved her best.
Stay the red hand, the glittering blade put back,

Despair must follow in the murderer’s track
A free-born nation all rejoice to see –
Ye but profane the name of Liberty.

Footnote: How appropriate it was for one of Winslow’s leading inns to be called The Windmill. Before the Industrial Revolution, the windmill was to Winslow what the watermill was to Buckingham. Both market towns drew their power from nature, one was built within a loop of the river Great Ouse, the other was on dry land and had to look heavenward for energy.

Ed has also suggested a connection between The Windmill and Keach's Chapel, through the Gibbs family: read his article. The Windmill was also the headquarters of the Oddfellows in the 1840s: see below.

Another Oddfellows song

Bucks Herald, 10 Aug 1844

WINSLOW - The following song written by Mr. H. Wigley, was sung at the first anniversary dinner of the Loyal Selby Lodge of Odd Fellows, held on the 24th ult., at the Windmill Inn, to which we briefly adverted last week:

AIR – Nae Luck about the House.
When men unite in brotherhood,
The ills of life to share,
And meeting once in every year,
They banish grief and care;
To take a part in such a scene,
The man with feelings right,
Will deem his highest privilege,
And the climax of delight

CHORUS.

Then long life to all Odd Fellows,
Prosperity and Love,
May Justice, Peace, and Truth prevail,
The gifts of heaven above.

Of all the institutions,
That so well deserve our praise,
The “Order of Odd Fellows”
Is the glory of the age;
Yet let not ought disparage,
Or a shade on others cast,
But if she is not first in fame,
‘Tis plain she’s not the last.

Though the title of the Order,
Might suppose eccentric men,
No man that e’er enroll’d his name,
Found ought he would condemn.
That “Odd Fellows” may in numbers grow,
Each gives the approving nod,
But that discord they may never know,
They exclude all fellows odd.

The “Winslow Loyal Selby Lodge”
Asserts her claim this day,
Each man rejoices to respond,
And highest honours pay;
‘Tis the launching of her vessel
On board’s her faithful crew,
May she stem each raging billow,
And her onward course pursue.

The younger Mr. Cowley
Bore the honours of the chair,
Whose blandness and urbanity
Gain’d the favour of all there;
With enthusiastic cheering,
They drunk the loyal toasts,
And stronger ne’er was loyalty
Within the British coasts.

The Lodges of the Order,
Were drunk with great applause,
Observing all the honours
And the custom of their laws;
From the Vice-chair Brother Seager
Gave the signal for the move,
When with simultaneous clapping,
Did each man his ardour prove.

Brother Malins from the Coker Lodge,
With animation rose,
A right good jolly fellow
As ever fuddled nose;
He said that perseverance
Would all obstacles surmount,
And to cheer the heart of Brother King,
Their success he did recount.

Mr. Barton of the George Hotel,
No longer could contain;
With inspiration doubly strong
Right well he did declaim;
The Lord of Winslow Manor,
With pride he did propose,
A bumper join’d with three times three,
He demanded as they rose.

A further honour waited
Mr. Barton bye and bye,
In the absence of the chairman,
His eloquence to try;
With overwhelming force he gave
The chair with honours due,
Each bosom heav’d with transport,
While his claims he did review.

Now to the Host and Hostess,
Who have so well prepar’d,
For the comfort of the inward man,
In which we all have shar’d;
May the Windmill Inn ne’er want a breeze,
To expand her strength of sail,
(Is the wish of every honest heart,)
‘Till wind and water fail.

	The Windmill in the late 19th century consisted of a 3-storey Victorian building and an earlier thatched house.
	The premises were rebuilt in the 1920s. They are shown here from a different angle, c.1960.

History of the Windmill Inn

The earliest use of the name The Windmill found so far is from 1709. At that time it would have been one of the nearest buildings to the actual windmill.

Windmill sign Norman Saving, Glimpses of Past Days (1973, 21): Under the thatched roof of this inn at one time was a curious old sign board, showing a man leading a horse and cart to a windmill and being of the tower type (one of this type stood on the brow of the hill between Gt Horwood and Winslow). It is traditionally said that the windmill from which the inn obtained its name once stood in the corner of Jennings Close (the Old Flower Show Field).

1688: manor court
Antony Deeley and Margaret his wife surrendered a messuage now in the occupation of William East ... To the use of Daniel Steevens and Ann his wife, who sought admission. To be void if Antony pays them 50s annually for 3 years in 2 equal portions: £1 5s on 1 Nov next, 1 May and 1 Nov 1689 and 1690, and the full sum of £51 5s on 1 May 1691. Rent [blank], fine 5s.

1691: manor court
Anthony Deeley on 17 Dec last surrendered through Thomas Deeley and Richard Phipps a messuage in Winslow in which William East then lived with all barns, stables, yards, pig-sties, etc., now in the occupation of William East, and for "the Eaves Droppings" as much ground on the outer side of the backyards which stands in the palings of Thomas Wright and directly 18 inches in length from the pig-sties [translation uncertain]. To the use of Thomas Bett, who was called and did not come. First proclamation made.

1708: manor court
Anthony Deely formerly died seised of the equity of redemption of a messuage late in the occupation of William East ... Thomas Deely his son and heir, of full age, sought admission.
Ann Stevens widow died since the last court seised of a messuage once in the occupation of William East and now of Thomas Gally ... Subject to equity of redemption for the heirs of Antony Deely deceased. ... William Shelton [her brother-in-law and beneficiary] sought admission. Rent [blank], fine [blank].

1709: manor court
Thomas Bett by Thomas Hornsby gent. his attorney sought to be admitted to all that messuage called by the name of The Windmill with barns, stables, orchards, backyards and all other buildings and structures which came into the lord's hands on the surrender of Antony Deely deceased dated 17 Dec 1692 [=1690] and presented at the next court, as appears in the rolls. Rent [blank], fine 5s.
Thomas Bett, customary tenant, by Thomas Hornsby gent. his attorney, surrendered the messuage called The Windmill with barns, stables, orchards, backyards, now in the occupation of Thomas Galley. To the use of Thomas Deely jr, son of Antony Deely deceased. Rent [blank], fine 5s.

1752: Will of John Gibbs of Winslow, cordwainer & victualler
The will does not make clear where John Gibbs' premises were, but he left a life interest in them to his wife Kesiah.

1760: Alehouse recognizances
Windmill: Keziah Gibbs
In 1753-6, the licensee of The Windmill is given as Isiah or Hezekiah Gibbs, presumably a mistake for Keziah.

1761-64: Alehouse recognizances
Windmill: Matthew Morris

1762: manor court
Kesiah, wife of John Gibbs late of Winslow Victualer deceased, while she lived held by copy of court roll for her life a messuage in Winslow known by the name or sign of the Windmill. She died since the last court. Heriot: one Brass Copper. John Gibbs by his will dated 9 April 1752 devises it after her death unto his son Stephen Gibbs. Stephen desires to be admitted. Rent 4d, fine 5s.
Stephen then surrendered the Windmill, now in the occupation of Matthew Morris, to the use of himself and Rebecca his wife and his heirs. Fine 5s.
Keziah died 2 Feb 1762 aged 62 (gravestone recorded by Arthur Clear).

1765-74: Alehouse recognizances
Windmill: Richard Gibbs

1772, 10 July: Sun Insurance, 11936/215/313668

Stephen Gibbs of Winslow glover	£
On his dwelling house situate as aforesaid	105
On the Windmill Alehouse and brewhouse only adjoining in the tenure of Richard Gibbs victualler	100

1776, 4 Aug: Will of Stephen Gibbs of Winslow, glover, recorded in Manor Court Book
He left to his son John Gibbs:
Copyhold messuage or tenement situate and being in Winslow aforesaid now in the tenure or occupation of John Carter called or known by the name or sign of the Wind Mill

1776: manor court (Centre for Bucks Studies, D 82/1/259)
Admission of John Gibbs under will of Stephen Gibbs

1776: Alehouse recognizances
Windmill: John Carter

1777, 8 April: Sun Insurance, 11936/256/382479

John Gibbs of Winslow glover	£
On his house and leantoos adjoining in the tenure of Thomas Ives bellman	25
House brewhouse and leantoos adjoining called the Swan in the tenure of Thomas Footman victualler	115
Tenement stable barn leantoos under one roof separate in said tenure	30
House only adjoining the Swan Alehouse aforesaid in the tenure of William George shopkeeper	30
Two houses only adjoining in the tenure of … Griffin … Walker	50
Barn only adjoining	20
House brewhouse and leantoos adjoining separate from the above called the Windmill in the tenure of Thomas Carter victualler	100
Barn and pigsties adjoining each other separate from the above	30
	-----
	400

The Swan is not listed in the Alehouse Recognizances at this date, although there was a White Swan until 1765.

1780, 7 July: Sun Insurance, 11936/284/430754

John Gibbs of Winslow victualler and glover	£
On his house and leantoos adjoining in Winslow in the tenure of Thomas Ives thatched	25
On his now dwelling house and brewhouse and leantoos adjoining the above thatched	115
Household goods therein only	120
Utensils and stock therein only	50
Wearing apparel therein only	20
House only adjoining in the tenure of William George shopkeeper	30
Two houses only adjoining in the tenure of Griffin and Walker thatched	20
House brewhouse and leantoos adjoining near in the tenure of Thomas Carter victualler thatched	100
Barn pigsties adjoining separate thatched	30
Two stables and coalhouse adjoining separate thatched in his own tenure	30
Utensils and stock therein only	10
	----
All in Winslow aforesaid	600

1781: Land Tax
John Gibbs (owner); John Carter (occupier): 8s 8d

1782, 27 July: Sun Insurance, 11936/303/462813

John Gibbs of Winslow victualler	£
On his now dwelling house and four tenements barn and leantoos all under one roof situate as aforesaid in the tenure of himself Ives George Griffin and Walker	250
On his household goods in his said dwelling house only	30
On his stock therein	30
On his wearing apparel therein only	5
Two stables and barn adjoining each other separate	15
House only called the Windmill near in the tenure of William Edwin	60
Barn and pigsties only adjoining near	10
	-----
	400

1785-90: Alehouse recognizances
Windmill: William Maiden / Mayden

1786: Land Tax
John Gibbs; William Maydon: 7s 11d

1788: Royal & Sun Alliance insurance policy for John Gibbs, victualler, includes Wm Maydon, victualler, the Windmill

1792: Manor court
John Gibbs of Winslow Glover customary tenant and Elizabeth his wife on 16 March 1792 mortgaged to James Burnham the Elder of Winslow gent. for £100 + interest payable 16 Sep next:
Messuage in Cow Street now in the occupation of the said John Gibbs commonly called the Windmill
+ 4 messuages in Cow Street now in the occupations of William Maydon, Kitty Hazard widow, Catherine George widow and Thomas Griffin, with houses outhouses Edifices Buildings Barns Stables Yards Orchards Gardens backsides
[The 4 messuages appear to be 29-31 High Street and properties at the rear]

1794-1821: Alehouse recognizances
Windmill: John Gibbs

1796: Land Tax
John Gibbs glover; self: 7s 11d

1798: Directory
Stephen Gibbs glover & postmaster

1805: Land Tax
John Gibbs glover; self: 7s 11½d

1822-7: Alehouse recognizances
Windmill: George Mayne

1823: Directory
Windmill: George Mayne, High Street

1828: Alehouse recognizances
Windmill: Joseph King

1830: Directory
Windmill: Joseph King, High Street

1832: Land Tax
John Gibbs; Joseph King: House (the Windmill), 7s 11½d

1833: Voters List
John Gibbs: Copyhold house & premises, Cow Street (Jos King tenant)

1834: Will of John Gibbs of Winslow, glover & victualler (made in 1788)
Property left to his children John, Rebecca & Margaret (the last born after the will was made)

1835, 12 May: manor court, D 82/5/98
Surrender by John Gibbs of Cuddington butcher; Rebecca Dawney of Winslow widow; Robert Biggerstaff of Westminster gent and Margaret his wife
Admission: Joseph King of Winslow, wheelwright and victualler
Price: £300
All that Messuage or Tenement situate and being in Winslow aforesaid within this Manor now and for some time past called or known by the name or sign of the Windmill heretofore in the occupation of John Carter since of John Gibbs now deceased and George Mayne and now of the said Joseph King.
And also all those two undivided moieties of those two Messuages or Tenements situate in Cow Street in Winslow aforesaid within this Manor heretofore in the respective occupations of Thomas Ives Sarah Wilson widow and John Walker since of the said John Gibbs deceased and George Lomath and John Lomath and now of the said George Lomath John Lomath and Rebecca Dawney … said John Gibbs Rebecca Dawney and Margaret wife of the said Robert Biggerstaff admitted 7 October 1834 as only children and devisees of the said John Gibbs deceased

1841: Census
High Street

Joseph	King	43	Wheelwright	b. in county
Elizabeth	d^o	35		d^o
d^o	d^o	12		d^o
William	d^o	10		d^o
Joseph	d^o	6		d^o
George	d^o	2		d^o
Mary	d^o	1m		d^o
William	George	19	Male servant	d^o
James	d^o	17	Male servant	d^o
Hannah	Shelton	17	Female servant	d^o
Betty	Gibbs	55	Female servant	d^o

1842: Directory
Windmill: Joseph King, High Street

1844: Bucks Herald, 10 Aug
WINSLOW – The following song written by Mr. H. Wigley, was sung at the first anniversary of the Loyal Selby Lodge of Odd Fellows, held on the 24th July, 1844 at the Windmill Inn:

AIR: Nae Luck about the House
When Men unite in brotherhood,
The ills of life to share,
And meeting once in every year,
They banish grief and care;
To take a part in such a scene,
The man with feelings right,
Will deem his highest privilege,
And the climax of delight.
CHORUS.
Then long life to all Odd Fellows,
Prosperity and Love,
May Justice, Peace, and Truth prevail,
The gifts of heaven above.

Of all the institutions,
That so well deserve our praise,
The “Order of Odd Fellows”
Is the glory of the age;
Yet let not aught disparage,
Or a shade on others cast,
But if she is not first in fame,
‘Tis plain she’s not the last.

Though the title of the Order,
Might suppose eccentric men,
No man that e’er enrolled his name,
Found aught he would condemn.
That “Odd Fellows” may in numbers grow,
Each gives the approving nod,
But that discord may never know,
They exclude all fellows odd.

The “Winslow Loyal Selby Lodge”,
Asserts her claim this day,
Each man rejoices to respond,
And highest honours pay;
‘Tis the launching of her vessel,
On board’s her faithful crew,
May she stem each raging billow,
And her onward course pursue.

The younger Mr Cowley [George Cowley, surgeon]
Bore the honours of the chair,
Whose blandness and urbanity,
Gained the favours of all there;
With enthusiastic cheering ,
They drank the loyal toasts,
And stronger ne’er was loyalty
Within the British coasts.

The Lodges of the Order,
Were drunk with great applause,
Observing all the honours,
And the customs of their laws;
From the vice-chair Brother Seager [Richard Seager, writing clerk]
Gave the signal for the move,
When with simultaneous clapping,
Did each man his ardour prove.

Brother Malins from the Coker Lodge
With animation rose,
A right good jolly fellow
As ever fuddled nose;
He said that perseverance
Would all obstacles surmount,
And to cheer the heart of Brother King,
Their success he did recount.

Mr. Barton of the George Hotel, [Alfred Barton]
No longer could contain;
With inspiration doubly strong
Right well did he declaim;
The Lord of Winslow Manor,
With pride he did propose,
A bumper join’d with three times three,
He demanded as they rose.

A further honour waited
Mr. Barton by and bye,
In the absence of the chairman,
His eloquence to try;
With overwhelming force he gave
The chair with honours due,
Each bosom heav’d with transport,
While his claims he did review.

Now to the Host and Hostess,
Who have so well prepar’d,
For the comfort of the inner man,
In which we all have shared.
May the Windmill Inn ne’er want a breeze,
To expand her strength of sail,
(Is the wish of every honest heart,)
‘Till wind and water fail.

1845: Bucks Herald, 2 Aug
The second anniversary of the members of the Loyal Selby Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of the Manchester Unity, was held at the Windmill Inn, when between 30 and 40 members attended, Geo. Cowley, Esq., in the chair. Several members from the neighbouring lodges honoured them with their company. They attended church, marching in full regalia, after which they returned to the inn, where they partook of an excellent dinner, provided by brother host King, who gave him great credit for this kind attention on the occasion. The members spent a most pleasant day, and in the evening peace and harmony was the theme.

1851: Census
High Street, Windmill

Joseph	King	head	married	52	Wheelwright & victualler	b. Shipton Lee, Quainton
Elizabeth	King	wife	married	47		b. Bierton
Joseph	King	son		15	Wheelwright apprentice	b. Winslow
George	King	son		11	Scholar	b. Winslow
Thomas	Smith	lodger	unm	64	Agricultural labourer	b. Winslow
Mary	Tims	servant	unm	20	General servant	b. Cropredy[?], Oxon

1853: Directory
Joseph King, victualler, Windmill, and wheelwright, High Street

1853: Bucks Chronicle, 5 March (from the Bucks Assizes)

ANN WALKER, a young girl, surrendered to take her trial for stealing a purse and 6s. in money, the property of Joseph John King; and also 12s. 6d., the property of Susannah Forster. Mr. Browne stated the case for the prosecution.

J. J. King – Am a wheelwright, at Winslow; I had a brown purse, which I missed on the 1st of February : there were two florins and two shillings in the purse : I asked the prisoner (who is my father’s servant) if she had seen it, and she said she had not; the constable subsequently showed it me.

Mrs. King said her husband kept the Windmill, at Winslow, and the prisoner was her servant; she was present when her son asked prisoner for the purse, and she said she had not got it; witness afterwards searched the prisoner, who did not offer much opposition; she found her son’s purse in the bosom of her stays, but there was no money in it; she asked prisoner where it was, and she begged witness to forgive her, and said she would never do the like again; there was some other money lost, and prisoner gave witness the money her son had lost, as well as some Mrs. Foster had lost.

Robert Ossitt, constable, of Winslow, deposed to hearing the charge made against the prisoner; after Mrs. King had searched her, she called witness into the room, and gave him an empty brown purse, and also a purse containing the money that had ben lost. (The brown purse, a relic of olden times, was produced and identified).

Mrs. Foster, an old lady who lodged with Mrs. King, proved losing 12s. 6d. – a half-sovereign and a half-crown – from a striped purse, on the 1st of Feb.

Mrs. King was re-called, and deposed to the fact that all the coins given her by the prisoner were similar ones to those lost.

In answer to the prisoner, witness admitted that, at the time she first spoke to her, she promised to forgive hr if she would tell where the purse was, or if she had found it; but prisoner persisted that she did not know where it was, and did not produce it for an hour afterwards.

Prisoner, in defence, said the purse was empty when she found it, and that the money was her own.

Guilty. Two months’ imprisonment.

1855: Oxford Chronicle, 10 Nov
FIFTH OF NOVEMBER.- This popular commemoration was kept up with its usual spirit, with squibs and crackers, in the market-square, on Monday last. The leading features of the drama, however, were performed by the boys of the Union Workhouse, who sallied forth, disguised in masks, and bearing an effigy of the much-execrated “Guy,” with which they perambulated the town, appealing, from house to house, to the pockets of the inhabitants, wherewith to purchase the combustible materials essential to the demonstration; and in the evening, the triumphal pile of their protestant enthusiasm blazed forth in the garden of the workhouse, amidst the tumultuous hurrahs of the sons of poverty, whose zeal for the great principles of our reformed faith may be supposed to have received a valuable accession of vigorous spiritual light and knowledge, that, but for this happy circumstance, might never have been developed in these saplings of poor law guardianship and discipline.
The annual epicurean feast at the Windmill Inn, took place on Monday the 5th instant. “Mine host” provided most sumptuously for his guests, who performed their part in the proceedings with a gusto that left no doubt of the vigorous and healthy condition of the outward man.

1861: Census
High Street

Joseph	King	head	married	63	Wheelwright & victualler employing 2 men	b. Lee Grange, Bucks
Elizabeth	King	wife	married	58		b. Bierton
James	Forster	brother-in-law	single	66	Labourer	b. Granborough
Thomas W.	Forster	nephew	single	47	Carpenter	b. Norwich
Elizabeth	Forster	niece	single	13	Victualler’s assistant	b. Winslow
Joseph	Adams	lodger	widower	53	Hurdle maker	b. Silverstone
John	Adams	lodger	single	21	Hurdle maker	b. Silverstone
George	Pharo	lodger	single	40	Blacksmith	b. Oxford

1864: Directory
Joseph King, Windmill, and wheelwright, High Street

1865: Bucks Herald, 13 May
“THE WINDMILL” INN, WINSLOW.
THAT well situate and well-accustomed INN, called “THE WINDMILL”, situate in the High-Street, Winslow, with all convenient Buildings, together with the WHEELWRIGHT’S SHOP and TIMBER SHEDS, where a good business has been carried on for many years:
FOR SALE BY AUCTION, BY Messrs. JOHN & JAMES KING, On THURSDAY, the 25th day of MAY, 1865, At Four o’Clock in the Afternoon,
On the Premises by direction of the Proprietor, subject to such Conditions as will be then and there produced.
The Property is Copyhold of the Manor of Winslow, being subject to a Quit Rent of 3d. per annum. The Land Tax is 7s. 11½d. per annum.
May be Viewed on application to Mr. Joseph King, on the Premises, and Particulars obtained from Messrs. Willis and Willis, Solicitors, and from the Auctioneers, Winslow.

1865: Bucks Herald, 9 Sep
To Coachmakers, Wheelwrights, & Others
REQUIRING WELL SEASONED MATERIALS.
W I N S L O W.
THE CAPITAL STOCK IN TRADE of a WHEELWRIGHT, comprising seasoned ELM, oak and ash boards, planks, slabs, felloes and spokes; iron platform tools, springs, spring cart, 6-inch wheel cart, and numerous other effects,
TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION, BY Messrs. JOHN and JAMES KING, On TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER the 19th, 1865,
At Eleven o’Clock on the Premises, The WINDMILL INN, HIGH STREET, WINSLOW.
By direction of Mr. Joseph King, who has sold the Property, and is retiring from Business.
May be Viewed on the Morning of Sale.
Catalogues may be obtained at the place of Sale; George’s Printing Office; and at the Auctioneers’ Offices, Winslow.

1865: manor court
Surrender: Joseph King of Winslow wheelwright & victualler on 3 Oct
Consideration: £100, together with £300 due under conditional surrender of 6 Dec 1860 to William King of Leicester gent, the balance of £380
Admission: Alfred Hopcraft of Brackley common brewer, by David Thomas Willis his attorney

1867, 14 Dec: Buckingham Advertiser

The Bankruptcy Act, 1861.
In the County Court of Buckinghamshire holden
at Buckingham.

In the matter of JOSEPH JOHN KING, formerly of High Street, Winslow, in the County of Buckingham, Wheelwright, then of Buckingham Road, Winslow, aforesaid, Wheelwright, then of Station Road, Winslow, aforesaid, Wheelwright, then of Back Lane, Winslow, aforesaid, Wheelwright, then of the Windmill Inn, High Street, Winslow, aforesaid, Wheelwright and Innkeeper, then of Swanbourne, in the County of Buckingham, Journeyman Wheelwright, adjudged Bankrupt on the 16th day of September, 1867, an Order of Discharge will be delivered to the Bankrupt after the expiration of thirty days from this date, unless an appeal be duly entered against the judgment of the Court, and notice thereof be given to the Court.
Dated this 9th day of December, 1867.
F. W BAKER, High Bailiff.

1868: mortgaged for £300 by Alfred Hopcraft and Jane his wife to George Price of North Marston baker

1871: Census
Windmill Inn

Thomas	Oliver	head	married	31	Wheelwright	b. Blakesley, Northants
Hannah	Oliver	wife	married	39		b. Napton, Warws
Thomas	Howes	nephew		10	Scholar	b. Byfield, Northants

1872: Return of Public Houses
Windmill
Occupier: Henry Oliver
Owner: Alfred Hopcraft, Brackley

1877: Directory
Thomas Oliver, Windmill & machinist, carpenter & wheelwright, High Street

1881: Census
High Street, Windmill

Thomas	Olliver	head	married	41	Wheelwright & publican	b. Blakesley, Northants
Hannah	Olliver	wife	married	49		b. Napton, Warws

1882: Bucks Herald, 8 July
SAD CASE OF SUICIDE.
On Wednesday last an inquest was held at the King’s Head Inn, before Mr. R. De’Ath, on the body of Hannah Bloxam Oliver, aged 53, wife of Thomas Oliver, wheelwright and publican, who died on the previous day.
The Coroner said that there could be no shadow of a doubt as to the cause of death. The question for the jury to consider was simply whether deceased was thrown out of the window, or wilfully threw herself out, or threw herself out without knowing what she was doing.
Thomas Oliver, husband of deceased, stated that he lived at the Windmill Inn, Winslow, and was a wheelwright by trade. He was at home on Monday evening when his wife fell out of the window, about five o’clock in the afternoon. A lad named Scott called him, saying his wife had tumbled out of the window. He ran out and picked her up. She was insensible, and he laid her on the sofa in the parlour, sending for Mr. Wynter. He afterwards carried her upstairs, she being insensible all the time. She died about twenty minutes past ten on Tuesday morning…
In answer to questions, witness said he put up a bar at the back window, as deceased used to go and look at the haymakers in the field and he was afraid she might lean out too far, and fall out. He fastened the wire on the catch of the front window, because he thought she would be looking out of that too. Mr. Wynter never told him she was not safe to go about, but he told the servant so.
Clara Payne, domestic servant at the Windmill, said she went there on the 2nd of February last and went away at Whitsuntide on her own account, and was sent for to come back, and had been there up to the present. When she first went deceased was not very well. She had been ill and was getting better, but never got very strong. When witness came back five weeks ago she was worse, and her speech was affected so that she could not talk plainly, and she was confined to her bed for about a week…
She saw deceased lying on the ground. Deceased never complained about anything, and they were always good friends.
In answer to questions, witness admitted that deceased often said she wished her husband would keep sober. Witness believed Mr. Oliver put the wire on the window on Sunday morning; he said “There was no telling what such people might do.” Witness had never seen Oliver push deceased out into the yard, and had not seen her scraping or painting cart wheels, but had heard that it had been so. Witness saw that the wire was on the bedroom window on Monday dinner time. Deceased was up there by herself after that. After deceased had thrown herself our witness picked up the wire on the floor and gave it to Mr. Oliver. Witness never heard him say anything about taking deceased away.
Thomas Oliver re-called, said he did not tell deceased that his sister was coming. Deceased’s life was not insured…
Mr. John St. Thomas Wynter, surgeon, said he had attended deceased more or less for the last six or seven years. On the 2nd June he was called to see her. He had not seen her then since the 23rd April, when she came to his surgery and complained of feeling weak and poorly, and also of the work she had to do. She said her husband would not get her any wine, because he said he could not afford it. On the 2nd June witness found deceased in bed; she had an attack of sickness the night before, but there was nothing else except inability to make herself heard. She could not pronounce people’s names. Witness did not think there was any tendency to commit suicide. He thought there was some latent disease of the brain, but there was nothing external to show. The last time but one that witness saw deceased he told her that she might get Mrs. Smith, a neighbour, to take her for a walk down the Back Lane, and she seemed to get the impression that he wanted to send her away. About 5.30 on Monday witness was called to the house, and found deceased on the sofa. She was not quite insensible, and appeared to know him. Witness examined her, and found a wound on the head, but very little bleeding. She had bruises on the legs, but no bones were broken. Witness had her put to bed, and applied wet rags to her head, and saw her several times between then and the time she died. The cause of death was effusion of blood on the brain, following concussion of the brain.
The Jury returned a verdict of “Suicide while in a state of temporary insanity.”

1885: Buckingham Advertiser, 10 Jan
STOCK-IN-TRADE of a WHEELWRIGHT
COMPRISING 40 PAIRS of well-seasoned Hubs, 12 Ash and Elm Axle-trees, 12 Shaft Planks, 40 dozen new Oak Spokes, 20 dozen Elm Felloes, a quantity of ash, Oak and Elm Sawn Timber, Machinist’s Drill, Turning Lathe, Blacksmith’s Bellows, a 6-row Corn Drill, and about 20 lots of Household Furniture.
TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION, BY MR. GEO, WIGLEY
On FRIDAY, January 16th, 1885, on the premises, Buckingham Road, Winslow, by direction of Mr. THOMAS OLIVER.
The Sale will commence at 12 o’clock.
Catalogues may be had at the Offices of the Auctioneer, Winslow.

1885: inquest on Alfred White held at The Windmill

1891: Directory
Frederick Phipps, Windmill P.H. & farmer, High Street

1891: Census
High Street

Fred	Phipps	head	married	35	Blacksmith & publican	b. Shipston on Stour, Worcs
Eliza	Phipps	wife	married	40	Landlady	b. Winslow
Dorothy	Phipps	daughter		6		b. Winslow
Thomas	Phipps	son		2		b. Winslow
Ada	Smith	servant	single	17	General servant	b. Nash

In 1881, Fred and Eliza lived in Winslow, probably in the house which is now 172 High Street, with their sons Frederick T. aged 2 and Arthur J. aged 3 months, and a servant. He was a blacksmith and she was a dressmaker. They were married at Winslow in 1878; she was the daughter of Charles Keys who kept The Stag.

13 Jan 1900: Bucks Herald
DRUNKENNESS. William Hancock was charged with being drunk at Winslow. P.S. Trevener said at 11.10 p.m. on the 29th December he was on duty in the High Street, when he saw the defendant very drunk, and staggering about the street. He was behaving indecently in the centre of the street, opposite Mr. Stevens' shop. He went staggering along the street and a man named Campbell took him away by the arm. He was shouting at the top of his voice, and was very drunk indeed. Witness followed him up to the railway bridge. Defendant called George Campbell, who said he was a groom at Redfield. He saw defendant on the 29th Dec. They were together most of the night. He did not take defendant home. He saw the Sergeant the other side of the bridge, but he did not follow them. They did not stop in the street, nor till they got the other side of the bridge. He went home after the Sergeant flashed the light on them. Defendant was perfectly sober. They went into two publichouses. They were in the Stag about a quarter-of-an-hour; then went to the Bull and stopped there about two hours, leaving there about 10 o'clock, and going to Fred Phipps'. He did not assist defendant down the street. They had beer at the Stag, and some whiskey at the Bull - 3 drops - and they both had two-pennyworth of whiskey at Phipps'. Defendant said he got into Winslow by himself about 7 o'clock and had 2 two-pennyworths. He met Campbell at Saunders' and went to the Bull, where they had 3 two-pennyworths. He had lived ten years in Winslow, and had never had anything said about him by the police or been in any court before. The Bench said they believed the police evidence and that defendant was drunk. They fined him 9s., including costs. Defendant said the verdict was against the weight of evidence. The police had no witnesses. The Bench said if he had called ten witnesses they might not have believed them.

1901: Census
Windmill Inn

Fred	Phipps	head	married	45	Smith & farrier & innkeeper, on own account	b. Shipston, Worcs
Eliza	Phipps	wife	married	51		b. Winslow
Thomas Charles	Phipps	son		12		b. Winslow
Margaret	Cross	servant	single	20	General servant	b. Winslow
Joseph George	?Casemoll	apprentice	single	19	Apprentice blacksmith	b. Doddershall

2 Sep 1902: Bucks Herald
We regret to record the death of Mr Frederick Phipps, blacksmith and landlord of the Windmill Inn, at the comparatively early age of 45. Mr Phipps only survived his wife by a few weeks, and although he had been ill for a long time, his death was not immediately apprehended.

1902: Will of Fred Phipps proved at Oxford. He expected his son to take over the blacksmith's business but instead it was sold.

1902: Winslow Petty Sessions, 10 Sep
Licence transferred to Mrs Philpott, late of Buckingham.

Centre for Bucks Studies D/WIG/2/1/43 (Feb 1905 - Feb 1906): Valuation (Phipps executors to Hopcraft, Norris & Wilson)

1905: Petty Sessions, 28 June
Licence transfered to Edward Wilson.

1905: Buckingham Advertiser, 1 July
THE Executors of F. PHIPPS, deceased, beg to announce that they have disposed of the deceased’s BLACKSMITH, SHOEING, and JOBBING BUSINESS, at the Windmill Inn, Winslow, to EDWARD WILSON (for 4½ years their manager), whom they trust may receive the same measure of support hitherto accorded.
EDWARD WILSON, In taking over the above old-established Business, hopes by prompt attention and good workmanship, to retain the confidence of old customers and to merit further patronage.

1911: Census
Windmill Inn, 10 rooms

Edward	Wilson	head	41	married	Blacksmith & licensed victualler	b. Bicester
Sarah	Wilson	wife	41	married 21 years, 5 ch	Assisting in the business	b. Bicester
Dorothy	Wilson	dau	12		School	b. Rousham, Oxon
Florence	Wilson	dau	10		School	b. Oxford
Edward	Wilson	son	7			b. Winslow

Description in Inventory of the Historical Monuments in Buckinghamshire (1913):
The Old Windmill Inn, at the corner of Back Lane, is of two storeys, built probably in the 17th century. The walls are plastered, but some timber-framing is visible in the covered archway at the N. end of the house. The roof is thatched. Inside the house are some chamfered ceiling-beams.

1915: Assessment (TNA, IR58/2349 no.301)
Situation                       High Street
Description                   Windmill Inn
Gross Value: Buildings   £ 21 - 10                     Rateable Value: Buildings             £17 - 5
Occupier                       Edward Wilson
Owner                       Hopcroft & Norris Ltd, Brackley
Interest of Owner         Freehold
Occupier’s tenancy, Term          Quarterly                      from    June 28th 05
Actual Rent                 £15
Outgoings - Land Tax, £ 13s/1d           paid by Owners
Who pays (a) Rates and Taxes (b) Insurance       (a) T       (b)          L
Who is liable for repairs                                                 L
Site Value Deductions Claimed   Yes
[red] Copy to Fleck          31/3/15
[stamp] 31 MAR 1915
Particulars, description and note made on inspection
Brick & Thatched Public House
Kitchen, Hall, tap room, bar, market room & 5 bedrooms       5000 sq ft        18 poles abt
Valuation – Market Value of Fee Simple in possession of whole property in its present condition                                                                                  [red] L29406                                                                       £900
Deduct Market Value of Site under similar circumstances, but if divested of structures, timber, fruit trees, and other things growing on the land                                                                  £125
Difference Balance, being portion of market value attributable to structures, timber &c.                                                                                                                                                                                  £775
Divided as follows:-
Buildings and Structures                               £775
GROSS VALUE                                                                                      £900
Description of Buildings
Wood & Corrugated iron Open shed
Wood & Slate Smithy & Forge
Wood & Slate Stabling (4) & Loft over
Wood & Corrugated iron Coach house

1920: Directory
Edward Wilson, Windmill P.H., High Street

1921: Census
9 rooms

Edward	Wilson	head	52y 7m	married	Blacksmith & shoeing smith (own account, at home)	b. Bicester
Sarah	Wilson	wife	53y 1m	married	\Home duties/	b. Bicester
Dorothy Mabel	Wilson		23y - m	single	Work at home \assisting father/	b. Rousham, Oxon
Edward George	Wilson		17y 4m	single	Blacksmith	b. Winslow

1939: Buckingham Almanac
33 High Street: Windmill Inn - E. Wilson

The Wilson family ran the Windmill, and a blacksmith's business at the rear, until the 1960s. The building came into the ownership of Mann's Brewery. The Windmill closed as a pub in the early 1990s and the Windmill Veterinary Surgery opened in 1995.