Oldemeule, watermill in Hengelo, Netherlands
Oldemeule is a grain mill built around 1690 by Joost Christoffer van Bevervoorde and his wife beside the Oelerbeek stream in Hengelo. The structure features wooden and brick walls in traditional Dutch style, with a water wheel that was originally top-fed and later replaced by an undershot wheel design.
The mill was built in 1690, marked by a stone plaque bearing the builders' names, and was part of a larger estate with roots reaching back to the 13th or 14th century. Between 1971 and 1976, it underwent careful restoration to preserve its structure and working mechanisms for future generations.
The name Oldemeule reflects Dutch naming traditions for mills based on their function. For centuries, it served as a meeting place where local farmers brought grain and the community gathered to exchange news and support each other's work.
The site is accessible by car with parking available nearby. Visitors can tour the mill on special open days or demonstrations to see how it operates and learn about traditional grain-grinding methods.
The water wheel features 28 wooden blades and the millstones measure about 1.7 meters (5.5 feet) across. This precise engineering demonstrates how 17th-century Dutch craftsmen created efficient systems for harnessing water power.
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