Steps
From High Salvington Mill Trust
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The steps are an essential feature of the windmill. They serve three functions. Access to the spout floor of the windmill requires steps from ground level. When the wind is pushing against the sails, the steps counter the toppling force. When the wind is trying to turn the mill around, i.e. wind the mill, the feet of the steps are supposed to dig into the ground and resist this force. To serve all three purposes, the steps have to be big and heavy, hence their width.
Acting as an anchor to prevent winding of the mill, it is necessary to be able to lift the steps when required. For this purpose, there is a lever, called the Talthur, pivoting against the Tailpole that allows the steps to be raised and lowered.
