Ashby Mill, better known as Brixton Windmill was built in 1816, and worked by mill until 1917. Leased by John Ashby in 1863, he and his family operated the mill producing stone-ground wholemeal flour until 1902, when the lease on the mill expired. A steam engine had been fitted to power it, which was to be later replaced with a modern gas engine.
Originally painted with tar to give protection against the weather, hence the black colour of the brickwork, the mill ceased operating and finally closed in 1934.
The only original feature remaining now is the cast iron windshaft; the sails and machinery having been replaced after a propsal for it to be demolished in the 1946 had been rejected.
In 1951, it was listed as a Grade II building, and remains on English Heritage's 'Buildings at Risk' register.
The Windmill was handed over to the care of Lambeth Council in 1971. Currently there is no access into the Windmill itself but the surrounding area has grass open space and trees, as well as a children's playground and a One O'Clock Club.
In April 2003 "friends of Windmill gardens" was formed with the aim to restore the mill and surrounding area as a public amenity. September the following year saw an archaeological dig organised with the Museum of London and a grant donated from Lambeth Council. A successful application for a grant from the Heritage Lottery fund has finally made it posssible to restore the windmill, with scheduled to start in October 2010.
For more up to date news on the progress visit the Friends of Windmill gardens