Wimbledon windmill struck by lightning 🌍

In the storms of 5-6th July 2025, a lighning bolt struck the sails of Wimbledon windmill. Although the windmill museum was open at the time, and visitors were inside the mill, the lightning protection did its job, and noone suffered any injury. However, the struck sail was damaged, along with some electrics inside the mill.

The estimated cost of the repairs comes to around £13,000

• £1800 to repair the lightning struck sail
• £11,000 to repair the fantail mechanism and bearings, including crane hire to facilitate the work

A crowdfunding appeal launched in August has now successfully raised almost £20,000 (with gift aid) to fund the work (which has already been done).

Coverage of the activity:

• Launch of the appeal on 7th August
• Reinstatment of the fantail on 20th August
• Lightning-damaged windmill saved by extraordinary community effort in one week