Laermolen

Laermolen is a historic watermill on the Mark river at Molenstraat, situated between Hoogstraten and Minderhout in the Belgian province of Antwerp, at roughly 51.410 N, 4.772 E. Its history reaches back to at least the late 14th century — the earliest records of a mill under this name date from between 1381 and 1405, and some sources suggest the site may be even older. From its earliest days, the mill belonged to the lords of Hoogstraten, who held feudal authority over it.

How did the mill's function change over time?

Over the centuries, Laermolen shifted purpose more than once. It began in the medieval period as a grain mill, was converted into an oil mill during the 15th century, and reverted to grinding grain again in the following century. This flexibility reflected the practical needs of the surrounding population: Laermolen operated as a ban mill, meaning local farmers were obliged to have their grain milled there and were forbidden from owning private hand mills.

What did the mill survive?

Laermolen's history was far from peaceful. The building was destroyed in 1585 amid the fighting between Spanish forces and the guerrilla Geuzen who ravaged the region during that period. The wooden structure also burned down in 1586 and was rebuilt around 1620. In 1714, two separate water mills were erected on opposite banks of the Mark: a bark mill on the left bank, used for grinding tanning bark, and an oil mill on the right bank, with both structures sharing a single broad thatched roof that covered their respective water wheels.

When did the mill reach its peak?

After the bridge was rebuilt in 1744 and the course of the Mark river was straightened, Laermolen entered its golden era. The oil mill not only pressed oil but also ground oak bark, a key raw material supplied to the many tanneries operating in the area at the time.

Why did the mill stop operating?

Laermolen's decline set in around the turn of the 20th century. The oil mill ceased operation in 1860, and the remainder of the complex shut down in 1913 after its owners sold the weir rights that allowed them to dam the river. In 1911, the sluice works and the grain mill on the left bank were demolished, leaving behind only a dismantled, empty shell of the former oil mill.

What does Laermolen look like today?

The mill's fortunes turned thanks to local heritage volunteers. Starting in 1995, the association De Laermolen worked to restore what remained of the site. The restoration, carried out by the millwright firm Thomaes, was completed in 2004, and the mill was formally reopened on April 25, 2004. Today Laermolen has been returned to an appearance close to how it looked around 1800, and it is once again capable of pressing oil using water power — a living reminder of the region's milling heritage around Hoogstraten.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Laermolen located? On Molenstraat along the Mark river, between Hoogstraten and Minderhout in Belgium.

How old is the mill? The earliest mentions date from the late 14th century (1381–1405), making it over six hundred years old.

Is the mill still operating? Following its 2004 restoration, Laermolen again presses oil using water power, though now on a smaller, demonstration scale compared with its historical output.

What was produced at Laermolen? Across different periods, the mill ground grain, pressed oil, and ground oak bark for the tanning industry.