Pedemolen Watermill

The water mill in Sint-Gertrudis-Pede in the Flemish Brabant municipality of Dilbeek is one of the two milling water mills from the Pajottenland, next to the Heetvelde mill, and has been recognized as a protected monument since 1975. The original mill from 1392 was part of the five ban mills of the Land van Gaasbeek

The Water Mill of Pede has a rich history. At the end of the 14th century it was already mentioned in a deed of the Lord of Gaasbeek. According to some sources, he is depicted in the more than 400 years old Bruegel paintings “The Return of the Herd” and “The Magpie on the Gallows”. Judge yourself!

With the arrival of electricity in 1935, wind and water mills were threatened. However, they were often used in combination with other energy sources. Unfortunately, De Pedemolen ceased its economic activity in 1965. The last miller was Jozef Zeghers.

In 1989, the municipality of Dilbeek bought the mill. After a very thorough restoration, it has been able to grind again since 2002.

You will find the unique dog wheel in the courtyard. The rotary movement used to be used to churn butter.
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The original mill from 1392 was part of the five ban mills of the Land van Gaasbeek. The current mill was restored in 1763 and expanded with a house, after it was destroyed by fire, and continued to grind with water power until 1963. Then they switched to an electric motor. In 1970, the mill was completely shut down. In 1989, the mill became the property of the municipality of Dilbeek. At the end of 1990, thanks to the cooperation of various working groups, the mill was restored again by Dilbeek so that it is once again operational.
The main building is built of brick with an overshot water wheel. Furthermore, the mill domain was expanded with savings ponds, an orchard, a water purification plant and meadows and a dog churn mill was also added to the yard.
Today, the monument only serves as a tourist attraction and volunteer millers grind for the public every second and fourth Sunday of the month.