Working Life Stories Storytelling Sessions

Join professional story teller Oliva Armstrong to discover the untold secrets of Brixton Windmill, the people who worked here and how their flour fed the folk of Victorian South London. Why did the Ashby family leave their beloved mill and what made them return? Each session lasts approximately 30 minutes. Sessions can be booked on the day and are suitable for everyone from 4 to 94! Brixton Windmill is open for free guided tours (1pm to 5pm) and our cafe and shop are open too. The storytelling sessions form part of our Heritage Open Days Festival events at Brixton Windmill. About Brixton Windmill The story of Brixton Windmill from 1816 to the present day is one of work, neglect and restoration. Today we use the same millstones that were used in 1902 to grind flour. History of Brixton Windmill in 16 Objects In 2016, to celebrate Brixton Windmill’s 200th anniversary, the Friends of Windmill Gardens highlighted 16 objects to explore the story of the Mill, the Ashby family and local life, and how the development of mills and windpower have relevance for us today. Mill Memories For the Mill Memories project in 2013 we interviewed 26 local residents about their memories of Brixton Windmill, the local area around the windmill, and the importance of bread and flour production. The Ashby family Brixton Windmill was operated by the Ashby family for all its working life up till 1934 – hence its original name of Ashby’s Mill. Read their story here. Brixton Hill Discover how Brixton Hill was transformed in the second half of the 19th century, causing problems for Brixton Windmill. Other Lambeth mills Brixton Windmill is the only survivor of 12 mills that once existed in Lambeth. Find out where the others were and what happened to them.