Kilsdonkse Mill

The Kilsdonk mill is very old. The watermill was mentioned as early as 1433. There used to be two water mills. The mills are on either side of the mill run, the old, winding watercourse of the later straightened Aa. The mill run starts just before the weir in the Aa. A little further on, the water flows back into the Aa via the mill run and the mill basin. On one bank of the mill run is the flour mill and on the other the oil mill. However, there were quite a few water drainage problems in the river Aa. Flooding resulted in crop damage in the municipalities along the Aa Valley. As early as 1491, it was therefore stipulated that the mills were only allowed to grind in winter, so that the drainage of the river water could continue unimpeded for the rest of the year.This arrangement was valid until 1799, when the mill was sold by Mr. van Heeswijk. Contrary to the old regulation, the new miller did want to grind in the summer. He therefore asked permission to build a windmill. In 1813, the mill was fitted with a retreat, with blades. In this way, next to the oil mill that worked on water power, a flour mill was created that could be powered by both wind and water. Rye and buckwheat was ground in the flour mill, and rapeseed was beaten into edible oil and cattle feed in the oil mill. In 1840 both mills burned down, after which they were rebuilt in stone. Many iron and steel parts were used in the renovated mills, which were put back into operation in 1842. The drainage problems persisted and in particular on the lands in the then municipality of Veghel, whose municipal boundary was at the Kilsdonk watermill, there was flooding. The municipality then bought the mills in 1880 and removed the two water wheels and the mill weir. The drainage problem was thus solved. The result was that the mill building fell into disrepair.

In 1882, part of the oil mill was used as a residence. About 45 years later, the flour mill, which now only grinds on wind power, became the property of the Potters family. When the millstones were powered by engines and the fledge was no longer used, the mill fell further and further into disrepair. Finally, in 1954, the roof, scaffolding and part of the masonry were removed and the oil mill was converted into a livestock feed mill. After this, the Potters family prevented further decline of the mill, but later the decline struck again.Ultimately, in the 21st century, the mills were restored and made operational again, whereby a new side branch of the Aa was dug to drive the double wheel. The restoration was completed in November 2008.

Old Kildonske mill with an opportunity to drink coffee.