Hoekemolen

Hoekemolen is a brick-built grondzeiler-type windmill standing in the village of Hoeke, part of the municipality of Damme in West Flanders, at Natiënlaan 21. For centuries it served as a grain mill, and today it remains one of the recognizable landmarks on the flat, polder landscape of this corner of Belgium.

Where did the mill in Hoeke come from?

Hoeke already had its own standerdmolen-type windmill as early as 1324, but that structure was destroyed by a flood. Villagers were then forced to have their grain milled at the Oostmolen in nearby Oostkerke, a mill first recorded in 1405. The situation changed before 1481, when that same standerdmolen was relocated from Oostkerke back to Hoeke, giving the village its own mill once again.

How did the mill's construction change over time?

The original wooden standerdmolen structure eventually gave way to a sturdier brick building — the mill was rebuilt in brick in 1840. Despite early difficulties keeping the operation running, the Van Holm family of millers continued working at Hoekemolen for decades afterward; as late as 1848, Joannes Van Holm was still recorded as the miller.

What happened to the mill in the 20th century?

The fortunes of Hoekemolen turned decisively when the Belgian state purchased the mill in 1936. The following year, in 1937, its exterior was restored, though the mill did not resume active grinding at that point. A truly comprehensive restoration — covering both the interior and the exterior — only followed in 1969, carried out by the mill-building firm Peel of Gistel. The work was completed on 17 August 1971, returning the mill to its historic appearance.

What protected status does Hoekemolen hold today?

In 1981, the mill and its surrounding grounds were granted protected status by royal decree, confirming its value as a monument of technical and architectural heritage. In 1999 ownership passed to the Flemish Region, and in 2001 the mill was leased to the Flemish Heritage Foundation, known today as Herita vzw, an organization dedicated to preserving and opening up heritage sites across the region.

Can the mill still grind grain?

Yes. The most recent major restoration of Hoekemolen was completed at the end of 2012. The construction work was carried out by the firm Vlassak-Verhulst of Schilde, while volunteer miller Filip Devoldere ensured the mill could be brought back into working order. Thanks to these efforts, Hoekemolen regained its capacity to grind grain and today functions not only as a heritage monument but also as a living example of traditional milling craft.

Frequently asked questions

What type of mill is Hoekemolen? It is a round, brick-built grondzeiler-type windmill, originally constructed as a grain mill.

Where exactly is the mill located? In the village of Hoeke, part of the municipality of Damme, in the province of West Flanders, Belgium, at Natiënlaan 21.

Since when has there been a mill on this site? An earlier windmill in Hoeke was already recorded in 1324, but the current structure descends from a mill relocated from Oostkerke before 1481 and rebuilt in brick in 1840.

Who maintains the mill today? The mill belongs to the Flemish Region, while its upkeep and public access are managed by the organization Herita vzw.

Is the mill still operational? Following a restoration completed in 2012, Hoekemolen regained the ability to grind grain and is operated by a volunteer miller.