Smock mill

A smock mill is a type of traditional wind-powered structure used for grinding grain or pumping water. Its distinctive feature is a tall, usually octagonal or hexagonal wooden tower that resembles a smock garment, hence the name. The body of the mill is stationary, but the top part, including the sails and cap, can rotate to catch the wind from different directions. This design allows the sails to turn and drive mechanisms inside the mill, making it an efficient way to harness wind energy for agricultural or industrial tasks before modern engines.