The mill stopped working in 1864, when the miller was evicted by the Lord of the Manor, Earl Spencer, who wanted to enclose the common for his own use.

[3] During World War II, the mill was camouflaged with a drab green scheme to reduce its visibility and one of its sails was removed, as it was in close proximity to army camps set up on the Common.

[3] The museum, initially only on one floor but extended to two in 1999, depicts the story of windmills from their early origins up to the present day, using models, examples of machinery and tools of the trade.

The windmill has an octagonal brick base of two stories, above which is a conical tower formerly housing the main post.

A Spur Wheel at the lower end of the upright shaft would have driven the millstones on the upper floor of the mill.

[6] The Mill House of Wimbledon Windmill is where Robert Baden-Powell stayed in 1902 and wrote parts of Scouting for Boys,[6] which was published in 1908.

Wimbledon Windmill also featured in the Doctor Who episode titled The Massacre of St Bartholomew's Eve (Bell of Doom) which was filmed in 1966.

It features interactive exhibits, such as push-button models and grain-grinding activities, in addition to visitors being able to explore the layout and use of the actual mill.