Windmill — Knock

On the highest part of a prominent broad gently rising NW-SE ridge. Ruins of a windmill constructed of mortared slabs. There are two opposing doorways at N and S, each with a relieving arch but missing their wooden lintels and jambs. There is a fireplace on the interior first floor with a simple horizontal stone lintel. Two opes directly over each doorway gives light to first-floor level. Although it is difficult to date the structure, it is not likely to be earlier than the 18th century. Archaeological testing was undertaken, in 2005, in the general area in advance of the development of a housing estate. No archaeological features or artifacts were identified (Crumlish 2008, 253). This windmill was probably constructed in the early 19th century as it is depicted as an upstanding windmill on the 1837 ed. of the OS 6-inch map. It may have been built on the site of an earlier windmill which was recorded as a 'stump' on the 1814 Grand Jury map of County Longford (Mimnagh 2010, 383). R. Crumlish, Knock (05E0367) in I. Bennett (ed.), Excavations 2005: Summary accounts of archaeological excavations in Ireland. Wordwell (2008), p. 253, No. 1031. Compiled by: Paul Walsh Date of upload: 26 August 2011