The owner of a 250-year-old windmill in Anglesey, Wales, has repainted the historic structure in red, white, and green without obtaining permission from local authorities. The vibrant new colors were applied to mark the island hosting Urdd Gobaith Cymru's Eisteddfod, a youth cultural festival.
Dr. Eiddwen Jones, 85, the great-great-great-great-great-granddaughter of the mill's first miller in 1776, expressed strong disapproval of the alteration. She stated that the windmill, known as Melin Llynon, should be repainted in traditional whitewash, reflecting its historical significance. Jones, whose family has ancestral ties to the mill, believes the original miller would disapprove of the current appearance, which she feels detracts from its historical context and has led to it being "made fun of now rather than kept the fact that it was a historical building."
However, the windmill's owner, Richard Holt, defended his decision, highlighting the positive impact the new colors have had on visitor numbers and the mill's finances. Holt stated that he has a duty to ensure the mill's future and that the painting has attracted more visitors, helping him to "pay the bills," especially during the challenging winter months. He has apologized to the local authority, acknowledging that he has "broken the rules" but is currently gathering visitor opinions to present to the council.
Melin Llynon is situated in Llanddeusant, Anglesey, and is noted as being difficult for visitors to find due to its distance from the main A55 road. The owner hopes that the increased interest generated by the colorful redesign will help secure the mill's long-term viability for future generations.
