De Meersel Molen

The first wooden watermill dates from about 1382. He was owned by Hoogstraten's gentlemen. Originally, the mill was designed as a slag or oil mill. later the mill was also adapted to grind grain. During the eighty-eight war (1569-1648) the mill initially did not cause much damage, but the miller did encounter war of the war. In 1602-1603 the castle of Hoogstraten is occupied by mothers for months. Molenaar lambrecht Coonen also suffered from the siege, because the masters had demolished the market near the castle, which meant that the water was no longer in Meersel.

The mill was destroyed several times. For example, the mill was largely destroyed during the war between the Spanish and Dutch.

In 1668 the wooden mill completely burned down, and after that it was probably built the first stone mill. In 1809 the mill was again destroyed and rebuilt by a fire.

In 1910 the mill was again burned and destroyed almost completely. The former owner Victor Rommens rebuilt and modernized the mill to the current turbine mill, which now forms a very industrial monument. The mill was no longer driven by a classic watercourse, but by two turbines floating horizontally in the water and driving two vertical axes.

Anno 2016:

The owners have been able to call proud owners of the watercourses since this winter. Even before, they had already been interested in this particular building, the industrial character of the building, whose history dates back to the 14th century, had special attention.

The mill and garden and conservatory are open all Sundays from the last Sunday in April until the second Sunday in October. The opening hours are from 10:00 until 17:00 on special Sundays such as the Antwerp Molendag or open monument day. EKO likes to be grinded and various mixes for the bread machine are available. Group tours and special arrangements by appointment are also possible. More information can be found at www.meerselmolen, by telephone or by telephone.