's Hertogenmolens

's Hertogenmolens is a historic watermill complex in Aarschot, picturesquely set on the banks of the river Demer in the Belgian province of Flemish Brabant. The name translates literally as "the Duke's Mills," a reference to the noble family that once ruled the town and commissioned the buildings.

Where did the mills on the Demer come from?

The story begins in the early 16th century. After Aarschot was destroyed in 1489 by the troops of Maximilian of Austria, the town spent decades recovering. It was Willem of Croÿ, then lord of Aarschot, who ordered the construction of the mills, with work starting around 1515. The foundations were laid on stable ground in an orchard belonging to the nearby beguinage: engineers drove oak piles into the sandy subsoil and used them to support a wooden platform carrying the entire structure.

How did the mill complex operate?

The complex consisted of two mills, one on each riverbank, linked by a shared sluice gate. The southern mill, first leased out in May 1517, was used for grinding grain. The northern mill, leased six months later, had a broader function, processing not only grain but also oil and tree bark, the latter used in tanning leather.

What role did the mills play in the town's defense?

'S Hertogenmolens mattered strategically as well as economically. Thanks to its system of sluices, the unfortified Kempen quarter of the town could be deliberately flooded when needed, creating a natural obstacle to slow down advancing enemy troops. This defensive trick proved its worth during the region's turbulent history, though it did not spare the complex itself from destruction.

How did the mills survive wars and fires?

In 1578, Aarschot was captured and burned by Protestant troops following a Spanish defeat near the town. The mills and their machinery suffered serious damage, yet by 1579 the southern grain mill was already grinding again, supplying flour to the Spanish garrison quartered in the town. A far later blow came in 1970, when a fire destroyed the north side of the complex along with the west façade of the southern building, leaving lasting damage that stood for years.

What can be found in the old mills today?

Restoring the complex took decades, and the results were officially unveiled at an opening held on June 12-13, 2010. The renovation earned recognition from architecture and heritage circles alike: in 2011, 's Hertogenmolens received the Provincial Architecture Prize of Flemish Brabant as well as the prestigious Europa Nostra Award, granted for outstanding achievements in protecting Europe's cultural heritage. That same year, the former mill complex took on an entirely new function, now housing a hotel, a brasserie, and an event hall, a conversion that preserved the building's historic fabric while giving it fresh purpose.

Frequently asked questions

Can visitors explore 's Hertogenmolens? Yes, the site is open to guests as part of a working hotel and restaurant, allowing visitors to see the interiors up close over a meal or an overnight stay.

Why are the mills named after "the Duke"? The name refers to the aristocratic Croÿ family, who ruled Aarschot and initiated the construction of the complex in the early 16th century.

What survives from the original construction? Despite fires and wartime damage, the 2010 restoration preserved the ensemble's historic character, blending original elements with a new functional purpose.