Grijspeerdmolen

Grijspeerdmolen is a wooden post mill standing in Gits, a village that forms part of the municipality of Hooglede in the West Flanders province of Belgium. While the mill is now firmly associated with this small rural corner of the region, its story actually begins many kilometers away, in an entirely different town.

Where does the mill's name come from?

The windmill takes its name from the former lords of the Ogierlande manor, the De Grysperre family, who already owned a mill called Grijsper back in 1550. The family retained control over the property until the end of the 17th century, and their name has survived in the mill's title ever since, despite the structure's later relocation and multiple changes of ownership.

Where did this windmill originally stand?

The current wooden post mill was not built in Gits at all — it was originally constructed in Westkapelle. Erected in 1771, this two-story mill replaced an earlier standard mill that had been built around 1635. For decades the Westkapelle mill served the surrounding farming community by grinding grain, functioning as a key part of the local agricultural economy.

How did the mill end up in Gits?

A turning point in the mill's history came in 1920. Arthur Verburgh sold the Westkapelle mill to Jules Van den Berghe, whose own standard mill on the Grijspeerd hamlet in Gits had been destroyed during the First World War, when German forces withdrew in October 1918. To replace the lost mill, the Westkapelle structure was dismantled and transported to Gits, where it was reassembled and took on the name of the hamlet it now occupied.

What happened to the mill in more recent decades?

The next major chapter unfolded in the 1980s. In 1980 the mill was dismantled once again, and its reconstruction was entrusted to the Verstraete company from Rumbeke, with the rebuilding work continuing until 1982. This thorough restoration ensured the structure survived into the present day in a condition suitable for continued use and public visits.

What is the mill's status today?

In 2013, Grijspeerdmolen received the designation of "Active Mill" from Molenforum Vlaanderen vzw, confirming that the structure is not merely a static heritage piece but retains genuine mechanical function. A further major restoration was completed in 2025, and on April 27 of that year the restored windmill was formally reopened in a ceremony attended by residents of Hooglede and the surrounding area.

Frequently asked questions

Has Grijspeerdmolen always stood in Gits? No. The structure itself originates from Westkapelle, where it was built in 1771; it was only moved to Gits in 1920, after the earlier mill standing on that site had been destroyed.

Where does the mill's name come from? The name comes from the De Grysperre family, former lords of the Ogierlande manor, who already owned a mill of this name in the mid-16th century.

Can the mill be visited today? The municipality of Hooglede provides information about visiting the mill, which has been open again to the public following the restoration completed in 2025.

Is the mill still mechanically functional? Yes, it has held the "Active Mill" designation from Molenforum Vlaanderen vzw since 2013, indicating that its mechanical function has been preserved.