Storm-Tying the Windmill
From High Salvington Mill Trust
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When strong winds are forecast it is one of the duties of a Miller to ensure that the tailpole is securely tied between two stakes of a stake and a tree. This prevents winding of the mill by the force of the wind against the sails. If the mill were to be forced around so that the wind hit the back of the sails, then this Tail Winding could be fatal as there is nothing to counter the toppling force of the wind. Historically, many windmills have been destroyed by tail winding.
