Banmolens

The site’s current appearance largely dates from the 19th century, but the Banmolens (thirlage mills) have a much longer history: it is likely there were already water mills at this location one thousand years ago. The site was listed as a monument in 1998. It is now home to loft apartments and a cafeteria.

A banmolen or thirlage mill is a medieval concept. It refers to mills owned by the count of Flanders. Everyone living within a five-kilometre radius of the mill is obliged to bring their grain to this mill to be ground. This enables the count to take a tenth part of the harvest as tax.

The buildings maintain their appearance as typical water mills until the mid-19th century. The site is altered greatly during the Industrial Revolution. Around 1850 the arm of the River Lys is bridged and the site receives its current six-floor appearance. The keystone of the bridge still bears the year ‘1849’.

The Banmolens are especially interesting because they show the transition from a typical mill complex to an industrial building. The first steam engine is introduced in 1850; the square chimney also dates from that time. The water wheels nevertheless remain operational, even though they are replaced by a much more efficient water turbine in 1880.

The site has had many functions over the centuries: flour mill, oil mill, fulling mill … It is even home to a soap powder factory in the interwar period. The buildings are listed as a monument in 1998, and renovated and divided into loft apartments in 2003.

Vl. Toeristisch bezienswaardigheden