The present six storied tower windmill was built in 1878-80 by John Saunderson of Louth using light coloured bricks and tarred. It had six double sided patent sails and a traditional Lincolnshire ogee (onion shaped) cap, but no balcony. The mill has two pairs of French millstones (for grinding flour) and 2 pairs of Derbyshire Peak stones (for grinding coarser materials such as animal feed). During the First World War one of the sails was lost, and the opposite one removed to balance it - timber was unavailable at the time to replace them. In the 1920's the sails were reduced to single sided sails. During the Second World War the mill was used as a Home Guard look out post with a view over the River Humber, and had a narrow escape when the RAF wanted to demolish it as a hazard to aircraft. It was worked until 1962, and then operated for a while by electric engine, producing animal feed. In December 1966 the Waltham Windmill Preservation Society was formed, and began the task of restoring the mill. The Society continues to raise funds for the mill maintenance to this day. The present miller maintains the workings of the mill, six sailed once more, and grinds the best quality grain to produce flour occasionally.
Waltham Windmill Trust, a registered charity manages the windmill site. It has a pleasant and rural atmosphere, with excellent parking and toilet facilities, a restaurant, old railway carriage cafe, a picnic area and other craft outlets. There is also a popular miniature railway on the adjoining site. The acclaimed Museum of Rural Life is an amazing trip back in time, with a great number of hands on items, plus video shows and a RAF section.
The windmill is open Easter - end of September Saturday, Sundays and Bank Holidays. Also, Tuesday - Sunday during Easter, Whitsun and summer school holidays.
The Museum of Rural Life is open Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays 1400-1700.