Sint-Waltrudismolen (Hernemolen)

In the Middle Ages there were so-called rule mills. Subjects had to have their grain ground there and gave part of it as payment. The Hernemolen or Sint-Waltrudismolen was such a powerhouse.

Sounds like coercion and harassment? Not at all: The concept of the free market economy was unknown, there were only a few mills and the radius of movement of people was smaller anyway.

The farmers didn't have a choice, but they didn't have many options either. Thanks to the idea of the ruler's mill, they were not at the mercy of the miller's harassment, because he could not refuse to crush their grain. So the farmers at least had the guarantee that their grain was processed.

Wonderful sound of the water when the mill is in operation...

Rendries 1, 1540 Herne

The Hernemolen or Sint-Waltrudismolen, located in the Rendries, (oldest mention 1219) was partially owned in the Middle Ages by the chapter of the same name of Bergen.

Hernemolen
Sint-Waldetrudis mill
Windmill of Looiken
rendries mill