A HOBBIT'S HOME DRAWN BY JRR TOLKIEN NEXT TO BRILL MILL

THE HILLTOP VILLAGE OF BRILL is well known for its panoramic position and spectacular views to the horizon all round.


The main feature of the village for visitors is the restored 17th century post mill, last survivor of several windmills that used to be on Brill’s extensive common.

The oldest parts of Brill Mill date from around 1685, making it one of the earliest surviving post mills in England. In 1967, the structure was reinforced by a steel skeleton framework, a necessary intervention to ensure that the decaying timbers did not fall apart.

THE ‘Circlograph’ mini-world image (header) shows the Mill and surrounds as it stood in 2004, since when it has had further work, involving a thorough renovation and the addition of an external wooden staircase.

The wooden steps and wheel make Brill Mill look as close to its original condition as the experts can manage. The sails are now white, but otherwise what you see in the Circlograph and other pics are pretty much as this relic from a bygone era appears today.

And the Hobbit connection? JRR Tolkien and his 'Inkling' literary friends sometimes used to come from Oxford to drink at the Pheasant Inn, which overlooks the Mill.

Tolkien's early pen-and-ink sketch of a Hobbit's home - it's reproduced in various editions of The Hobbit - is reputed to have been drawn by Tolkien on the grass below the Mill.

The drone view (below) shows Brill Mill as it appears today. Tolkien would have made his drawing while he sat just below and to the right as you see it here.

Thanks to local photographer Tim Andrew for the excellent picture.

Brill Mill is usually open to the public on Sunday afternoons in summer.

Brill village website.