Arkens

Arkens is a Hollow Post mill in Franeker, Friesland, Netherlands which has been restored to working order. The mill is listed as a Rijksmonument, number 15710.
Arkens was originally built in 1835 at a site to the north of its current position. It was built to drain the Arkens polder. Prior to 1910, it was fitted with four Patent sails. Photographs show that one pair of the Patent sails were wider at the tip than they were at the heel, the other pair were of standard construction. These were replaced by millwright Westra of Franeker with common sails which are wider at the tip than they are at the heel . Arkens is the only windmill in the Netherlands with this style of sails. A restoration of the mill was undertaken in 1955. The mill was moved to its current position in 1972, restoration taking until 1975. In 1994, a further restoration was carried out. Although restored to working order, Arkens is only rarely seen turning.

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