[2] It became independent when the management bought it out in 1995; however it was purchased by Aston Manor Brewery in 2000 who used it to produce canned beer for supermarkets then sold it to pub company Global Star in July 2007.
[4] Church Hill in Walsall is the highest and steepest section of a long ridge dropping gradually away towards the south, fading out before it reaches Broadway.
Due to Highgate's position on the hill, it receives long views to the south and east, and is separated from central Walsall and the partly industrialised Caldmore area by the lie of the land.
The tower has a slight taper until the later cylindrical portion is reached; it is roughly five storeys, approximately 50 feet (15 m), tall with a crenellated top, which was a later addition.
It is known that Thomas Jennings worked it from 1835 to 1841, and in 1841, the Midland Counties Herald shows it being advertised by local builder M. Salt with a shop and cottage.
His son Charles Eyland, Mayor of Walsall 1857 – 58, inherited the property, having left his house in Lichfield Street for Hope Cottage, which stood in its own grounds adjoining the mill.
Mr. Skidmore, who had for many years been interested in astronomy, supervised the rebuilding of the tower, re-pointing the brickwork and raising the parapet by approximately 2 feet (1 m) and adding to the crenellations, so that it could be converted into an astronomical observatory.
[5][6] During World War II, Highgate Windmill's commanding position made it the natural choice for use as an observation post by local Air Raid Patrol wardens, and for years it was manned by them every night.