Out of the around 75 windmills that the Knights of the Order of St John had built, only one stands in its original state: Ta’ Kola Windmill in Xagħra.

Clifford Vella has published a book about this unique windmill, entitled Ta’ Kola Windmill – The best preserved windmill in Gozo.

Windmills, used for the grinding of corn, formed an integral part of the urban areas of Malta and in many antique maps they were given equal prominence with chapels and churches.

Apart from Ta’ Kola windmill, the book centres on the history of the grain trade in the Order’s time, the threshing of corn and the grain stores or granaries in Valletta, Floriana, Senglea, Vittoriosa and Gozo.

It also includes information about the exterior and interior machinery of the windmill, with special reference to details from Ta’ Kola windmill, together with a detailed description on the making of the Maltese loaf in the past.

The book is illustrated with period plans and photos together with colour plates and information on most of the windmill owners.

Copies are available from BDLor directly from the author on 9947 7906.