Rosmolen, watermill in Oostrum, Netherlands
Rosmolen is a water-powered mill built in 1667 that stands along the Oostrumse Beek and remains fully functional for grinding grain. The structure features a square design with a tent-shaped roof and retains its original milling mechanism, including a single pair of millstones that still operate regularly.
Rosmolen likely dates to the 13th century but is first documented in writing in 1628, with the current building constructed in 1667. The mill ceased operation in 1928 when the municipality acquired water rights and removed the sluice gates, but was rebuilt after World War Two and restored to working order in 2000.
The mill owes its name to a former nearby farmstead that was actually powered by a horse before it burned down in 1863, with the name later transferred to this water-powered structure. This naming reflects how rural place names in the region developed from local landmarks and events.
Visiting the mill requires advance arrangement as it is not open daily but only at specific times for visitors. The quiet site nestles within the forest of the Geijsteren estate and is easily accessible, with walking paths in the surrounding area that invite exploration.
The mill was a winter-season operation that could only function from October through April when sufficient water flowed in the stream. This seasonal limitation shaped how local farmers timed their grain delivery, as the mill's operation depended entirely on winter water levels.
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