Beverley's "Westwood" is a picturesque common land on Beverley's doorstep, it is a treasure trove of hidden secrets, historical charm.
The pastureland and woodland is a very popular spot for walkers, park runners, and nature enthusiasts, whilst holding a fascinating history. The land was granted to the town of Beverley in the 14th Century by the Archbishop of York, ensuring its preservation for public use. The Black Mill, (Far Mill, Baitson's Mill), is an 18th-century windmill that stands as a testament to the area's agricultural past. Though it no longer functions after fire damage, the Pasture Masters removed its working gear when the lease expired in 1868,
the Black Mill offers a glimpse into the region's industrious heritage and provides a striking focal point against the natural landscape.
In recognition of its past and keeping the Black Mill in line with the future, as people enjoy a walk, a round of golf, a picnic or just take in its beauty, people get lost in time... now is the time to unveil the future.
In the Spring and Summer months families enjoy playing cricket, football and model aircraft have all
used Westwood. On a Saturday morning at 9am, the Beverley Westwood parkrun gets underway, and golfers need to keep track of time. So a new timepiece will be installed on the Black Mill for the first time, to help people keep a track of time.
Solar timepieces, or sundials, date back to ancient civilisations like the Egyptians and Babylonians, who used the sun’s shadow to mark time. These early timekeepers were relatively accurate for their era, though they depended on clear skies and had variations based on latitude and seasonal shifts.
Mechanical clocks emerged in the Middle Ages and they were often placed on historic buildings. One is on show at the Beverley and East Riding Golf Club, The Anti-Milla truncated windmill tower that's incorporated
into the clubhouse of the Beverley and East Riding Golf Club, having a beautiful timepiece,clock on display.
These monumental timepieces provided a public service, regulating daily life before personal watches were common. The evolution from sundials to grand clock towers showcases humanity’s enduring quest to measure time with precision and reliability.
Solar watches, which are now quite common, can be accurate to within a second per 100,000 years when synchronised with radio signals. Their main advantage is that they require little to no battery replacement, making them both reliable and ecofriendly. Ideal for the Black Mill and ensuring all who enjoy the Westwood do not get lost in time!!
Karen Guest from Guest and Philips commented, "We are delighted to have been asked to provide the clock for the Black Mill, we recall the first solar watch, released in 1972, the iconic timepiece named the Synchronar 2100. It felt right that the Black Mill Clock would be set at 21.00 in recognition of the masterpiece and show it in its "Illuminating Glory"!
As the clocks Spring Forward do not be fooled, it's time to get up and Spring into action, April is a time of change, do not fool around, time is short.
Local Handyman, Beverley's Ian Harrison commented, "To be asked on the first Tuesday of April to fix the time piece to the Black Mill is quite an honour and pleasure. This is an historic occasion, to use my skills positioning the time piece for all to admire is an amazing moment in Beverley's history".
Mayor of Beverley, Cllr David Boynton, said, "People will be able to see the Black Mill Clock aglow from far and wide - it will be the talk of the town. Using solar power is a stroke of genius, as it means no digging up of the Westwood to lay cables. It's about time a new lease of life was given to Black Mill and I'm sure it will strike the right chord with residents and visitors alike".
The Town Council will be approached to support this as under the Parish Councils Act 1957 Section
2, it has the power to provide and maintain public clocks and this will be a high-profile community timepiece.
Please Note.
It is a tradition on April Fool’s Day pranks stop at 12 noon sharp.
