Discover the fascinating stories of south Warwickshire’s architecture

MHLC-13-09-12 Chrsterton open day Sep53
The historic Chesterton Windmill which stands on a hilltop overlooking the Fosseway and Warwickshire, was open as part of the National Heritage weekend 8th and 9th September 2012.
Members of the public were able to go up inside the windmill to view corn being ground into flour and see the power of wind drive the mechanism, which dates from 1632, Local organiser, Malcolm Murphy, thanked all the volunteers from the local community of Chesterton and the Midland Wind & Water Mills Group and commented people come to see the sails go round, whilst having a picnic and enjoy the amazing views. — MHLC-13-09-12 Chrsterton open day Sep53 The historic Chesterton Windmill which stands on a hilltop overlooking the Fosseway and Warwickshire, was open as part of the National Heritage weekend 8th and 9th September 2012. Members of the public were able to go up inside the windmill to view corn being ground into flour and see the power of wind drive the mechanism, which dates from 1632, Local organiser, Malcolm Murphy, thanked all the volunteers from the local community of Chesterton and the Midland Wind & Water Mills Group and commented people come to see the sails go round, whilst having a picnic and enjoy the amazing views.

Organised by the Heritage Open Days National Partnership and funded by English Heritage, the programme is designed to celebrate England’s architecture and culture by offering free access to places that are usually closed to the public or normally charge for admission.

The event this year takes place from Thursday September 12 to Sunday September 15 and there are plenty of places to choose from across south Warwickshire that are participating over the four days.

Included are the ruinous Bagot’s Castle in Baginton, where visitors can see artefacts from the finds of the 1930s and from restoration works to the castle, and the Grade II* listed Victorian Gothic Hatton church, which is thought to have been a place of worship since Celtic times.

Two homeowners - one in Kenilworth and another in Leamington - are throwing open the doors of their eco-friendly homes to give people ideas on how to lower their carbon footprints and energy bills.

There will be guided walks in Leamington, included one themed on the 1940s and another on the town’s blue plaques, and Leamington Real Tennis Club in Bedford Street will be hosting guided tours.

As usual, people will have the chance to enter Chesterton Windmill, which was built in the 1600s, and see its wooden machinery, while they can also gain a rare entry into the early 18th century Alderson House Masonic Rooms in Warwick, as well as the Freemasons’ Guy’s Cliffe House and grounds.

Those after a more active day out can take part in a volunteering day at Draycote Water in Kites Hardwick, while Chedham’s Yard in Wellesbourne is also taking part.

For full details, visit www.heritageopendays.org.uk