The windmill was a wind-driven flour mill built on the hill above the new housing by a British firm, Holman of Canterbury, in 1857. The idea was to use modern methods to produce high grade flour cheaply, thus providing income for the poor of Jerusalem. When the windmill was finally completed, owners of older, more primitive mills cursed it. The mill worked in a limited fashion for many years.
When it did finally break down, steam-powered mills had already been introduced and it was not worth repairing it. It was never a very successful project but it did encourage people who lived in the Old City to move out and make the expansion of Jerusalem a reality.
The windmill has now been converted into a museum showing the history of the era in which it was built in the second half of the nineteenth century.
It depicts Montefiore's life, his contacts with various world leaders and his activities on behalf of Jews worldwide. The exhibit also includes photographs showing living conditions in Jerusalem at the time including a remarkable picture of Rechov Yafo (Jaffa Road) in 1866.
