This watermill complex, founded around 1510 by Willem de Croy, lord of Aarschot, was the most impressive in the region and connected the northern part of the city with the southern part.
The mill complex was uniquely located, it served as a bridge over the Demer and served as a grain mill, bark and glass mill, but also as a defense of the city.
Vessels that passed under the central arch had to pay taxes. The rings in the wall, where the ships moored, are still visible.
In 1970 the mill was partly destroyed by a fire. In 1986, the 's Hertogenmolens became a protected monument and the surrounding area a classified village view.
Source: NMBS walks

Translated by Google •

September 4, 2020

There used to be several mills on the former Waterpoort in the Lei, where the Demer flowed into Aarschot. At the beginning of the 16th century, Willem de Croy had the mills moved and merged into one behind the beguinage at the far end of the city walls. At this location the new 's Hertogenmolens or Grote Mills were given an economic, hydrographic and military function. The grinding of grain and the collection of tolls were important sources of income. Due to the location of the mills, across the Demer, they could also be used in the defense of the city. The whole grew into an impressive, daring building with stepped and gabled facades, covered with natural slate saddleback roofs, unique in Western Europe. In 1986 the 's Hertogenmolens were protected as a monument. From 2007 to 2010, the complex was restored and converted into a hotel.

Translated by Google •

March 17, 2024

The 's Hertogenmolens form a unique mill heritage that dates back to the 14th century. The current construction, more specifically the central five-part part with its characteristic gables, dates from the 16th century. Over the course of history, the mill fulfilled various functions as a grain mill, bark mill and glass mill and, due to its unique location, also served as a bridge over the Demer and as a defensive structure for the city. Immovable Heritage Inventory 2024: 's Hertogenmolens, id.erfgoed.net/erfgoedobjecten/41431

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Location: Aarschot, Leuven, Flemish Brabant, Flanders, Belgium

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's Hertogenmolens Aarschot

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