Steenakkermolen

Steenakkermolen is a wooden post mill standing on a low rise in Langemark, part of the Langemark-Poelkapelle municipality in West Flanders, Belgium. Although the mill you see today dates from the late 18th century, the story of a mill on this spot stretches back much further – and it includes one of the darkest chapters in the region's history.

Where does the name come from?

The first windmill on this site was built at the end of the 14th century by Pieter Cobbe of Hooghe Zieken. The oldest surviving written reference dates to 1439, describing a path leading "toward the mill on the stone field" (steen ackere meulne) – the phrase that gave rise to today's name, Steenakkermolen. For centuries the mill ground grain for local farmers, taking advantage of its open, elevated position exposed to the wind.

Why was it called the "Mill of Death"?

The most turbulent chapter in the mill's history unfolded during the First World War. In the autumn of 1914, during the First Battle of Ypres, the front line swept through Langemark, destroying the village and its surrounding buildings, including the windmill. Its elevated position made it an excellent observation point, which turned it into a target of fierce artillery fighting. German soldier Wilhelm Schreinen described these events in his book "Der Tod von Ypern," and the mill itself earned the grim nickname "Dodenmolen" – the Mill of Death. That name still lingers in local historical memory alongside the official one.

How did the mill come back after the war?

The destroyed windmill was not simply rebuilt on its old foundation. In 1922, the mill site was bought by Jules Lievens-Standaert, who a year later had an entirely different structure relocated to Langemark: the Kruisbergmolen from Pittem. This post mill had been built in 1789-1790 by millwright Pieter Hoste for owner Lodewijk van Poucke. The relocated structure was erected on the hill where the original Steenakkermolen once stood and took over its historic name, even though it is physically an older building originating from a different town.

What is the mill's condition today?

The mill continued operating as a working grain mill until 1975, when deteriorating condition forced grinding to stop. In 1981 ownership passed to the province of West Flanders, opening the way for its rescue. A thorough restoration carried out between 1992 and 1994 returned the mill to working order. Today, Steenakkermolen is a protected piece of regional heritage and a stop on tourist routes dedicated to the history of the Great War around Ypres, linking a rural milling tradition with the memory of one of the 20th century's bloodiest conflicts.

Frequently asked questions

Is Steenakkermolen the original mill from 1439? No. The original windmill on this site was destroyed during the First World War. The current structure is the Kruisbergmolen, relocated from Pittem in 1923, originally built in 1789-1790.

Where does the nickname "Dodenmolen" come from? It was given to the mill during the First World War, when its elevated position made it a strategic observation point and a target of fighting during the First Battle of Ypres in 1914.

Can visitors see the mill today? Yes, following its 1992-1994 restoration, the mill is maintained in working order as a protected heritage site of the West Flanders province.