Bergmolen, Tiegem

Bergmolen is a whitewashed brick windmill standing on the Tiegemberg hill in Tiegem, a village within the municipality of Anzegem, in the West Flanders province. Rising above the gently rolling countryside typical of this part of Flanders, the mill has remained a well-known landmark of the area for decades.

Where does the name come from and what is the site's history?

The current brick Bergmolen was built in 1880 as a replacement for an earlier wooden mill dating back to 1735, commissioned by a man named Petrus Verriest. That earlier wooden structure was known as the Stampersmolen — a name derived from the stampers used in the oil mill that operated alongside it. The name therefore referred directly to the mill's technical function rather than to the building itself.

How did the mill's purpose change over time?

For many years, the stone mill served a dual role, both pressing oil and grinding grain. Oil production continued until 1915, after which the mill was converted exclusively into a grain mill. That same year, it was leased to miller Gustaaf Derijcke, who had previously worked at the "Zwijnsteert" mill in Anzegem.

What happened to the mill during the world wars?

The First World War left a clear mark on the mill, which suffered significant damage during the conflict. Despite the difficult wartime conditions, grain was secretly ground here on numerous nights to supply flour to the local population. After the war, the mill was restored and returned to use, operating in this way from 1921 until 1936.

Why was the mill blown up, and what happened afterward?

The year 1936 brought a dramatic turn: the mill was deliberately destroyed by Herman Teirlinck and Charles Dekeukeleire for their film "Het kwade oog" ("The Evil Eye"). The dramatic image of the exploding windmill served the filmmakers as a striking cinematic scene, at the cost of removing the historic building from Tiegem's landscape for decades to come.

Reconstruction of the mill did not take place until 1970–1971, when Bergmolen was restored to its earlier form. Yet the story did not end there — in 1986 the mill was dismantled once again and subsequently rebuilt a few meters from its original location, on the spot where it stands today.

What protection status does Bergmolen hold today?

The windmill has been listed as a protected monument since 1960, confirming its historical and architectural value for the region. This protected status has remained in place despite the mill's relocation in the 1980s, covering both the structure itself and its historical significance for Tiegem and the municipality of Anzegem.

Frequently asked questions

How does Bergmolen differ from the original Stampersmolen? The Stampersmolen was a wooden mill built in 1735, the predecessor of today's structure. The brick Bergmolen standing here now was built in 1880 as its replacement, partly preserving the older naming tradition linked to the oil mill.

What was the mill used for over the years? It initially served as an oil mill (pressing oil using stampers) and as a grain mill. From 1915 onward, oil production was abandoned, and the mill was used solely for grinding grain.

Why did the mill disappear for several decades? In 1936 it was deliberately blown up for the film "Het kwade oog," directed by Herman Teirlinck and Charles Dekeukeleire. It was not rebuilt until 1970–1971.

Does the mill stand today in its original location? Not exactly — in 1986 Bergmolen was dismantled again and rebuilt a few meters from its earlier spot, on the Tiegemberg hill, where it can be seen today.

Is Bergmolen legally protected? Yes, the windmill has held protected monument status since 1960, making it a lasting part of Anzegem's architectural heritage.