PICS: Sail breaks off Thaxted Windmill while visitors inside on Easter Monday

A SAIL on Thaxted Windmill came crashing down while visitors were touring the attraction on Easter Monday. No one was hurt when the 46ft-long pine sail broke off and fell to the ground, but there were six or seven visitors inside. The windmill had been op

A SAIL on Thaxted Windmill came crashing down while visitors were touring the attraction on Easter Monday.

No one was hurt when the 46ft-long pine sail broke off and fell to the ground, but there were six or seven visitors inside.

The windmill had been open for the first time since September to coincide with the Morris dancing which was happening in the town.

The sails had been turning gently when there was a loud crack as the timber into which the sails fit broke. The sail crashed through the timber gallery surrounding the mill.

The windmill was built in 1804 and is the only remaining windmill in Thaxted. Restoration has been ongoing since the 1970s when a trust was set up restore the building.

Since work started more than �100,000 has been spent on its restoration - most of which has been raised from holding open days.