This card is one from my father's collection and almost certainly dates from the 1960s. It shows the Maud Foster Windmill, now one of Britain's finest working windmills. It was built in 1819 but by 1948 mechanical problems had made the mill unworable.
In 1987, the mill was bought and extensive restoration has returned it to full working order.
In an effort to find out why it was called Maud Foster Windmill, I have found out that what I thought was a canal, is in fact a channel cut in 1568 in an effort to drain the Fens. It is called the Maud Foster Drain. I'm still no further in finding out who Maud Foster was in the first place.
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It sound good that your father also cellects cards. I guess you must have found a lof of fun in his collection~~
ReplyDeleteI'm ashamed to admit I've never visited the Maud Foster Mill despite living within half a mile. I'll ask one of the local historians to see if I can find out where the name comes from.
ReplyDelete@Gone with postcards, yes, I love going through my father's cards.
ReplyDelete@John, I was hoping you'd come by because I remembered you lived nearby. Let me know if you solve the mystery. :)
Gosh, it looks like a lovely place! I have a friend in Grimsby and must make an effort to visit one day. I like this old black and white photograph, I must say.
ReplyDeleteJohn - you must try find out a little bit more about it!!
When the drain was cut in 1568 Maud Foster allowed it to cross her land on favourable terms. One of the terms was to have the drain named after her.
ReplyDeleteSource: The History and Antiquities of Boston, 1856.
John, wonderful! Thank you for that - the missing link. :)
ReplyDelete