The Watermill

Heritage in Kasterlee – Watermill of Tielen The first written mention of this watermill dates back to 1526. Ancient feudal laws stipulated that running water and wind (natural sources of power) belonged to the monarch. He lent its use to the lord of the village. The farmers of the region were obliged to have their grain ground at their lord's mill. The miller, who was employed by the lord as a servant or tenant, could thus scoop the taxes in kind from the farmer's flour sack into the lord's flour sack at each mill. Because the rivers in our Kempen have only a slight gradient, the wheel of watermills is usually driven at the bottom. That is why they are called undershot mills.
Just like the castle of Tielen, the watermill was inherited for centuries. In 1918, miller Fik Dionys bought the mill with house, horse stable and bakehouse. In the years after the Second World War, agriculture broke new ground. The miller's trade became unprofitable. In 1981, Louis Dionys, the last miller, died. The mill was sold again and lovingly restored.
The mill house was probably built in 1681. Note the typical basket arch above the door.
The watermill is privately owned. Please respect the privacy of the residents and stay behind the wooden fence. To prevent accidents, it is necessary to keep a sufficient distance from the wheel, the bank and the locks.
Source: Flemish Government, Agency R-O Flanders, Immovable Heritage

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