Oostkerke Village Windmill

The village mill of Oostkerke was first mentioned in 1336 and was owned by the lords of Oostkerke. Later mentions: in 1459, 1481 and in 1571 by Pourbus. During the 80-year war (1568-1648) it was destroyed. Towards the end of the war, the wooden post mill was rebuilt (in 1643 to be precise). In 1874 the mill burned down. Immediately afterwards, the current stone ground sailer was built on the mound where the previous mill stood. One mill iron still dates from 1643 and the year 1874 is inscribed in the mill cap. There is also a memorial stone in memory of a fatal accident that occurred here in 1924 when the young miller's son was caught by one of the mill's rotating sails. After this event, the mill was no longer used for grinding. In 1960, a mill committee was set up in the village that carried out the first repairs to the mill and helped ensure that the building was protected as a monument in 1964. In 1970-73, the new owner (Mr. De Craeke, who bought the mill in 1969) had it completely restored and almost 20 years later it was made ready for grinding again. It was used for grinding corn. Also note the little mermaid on top of the hood; a reference to the "legend of the mermaid". The mill is located just outside the centre of Oostkerke and is open to the public. For the exact opening hours, it is best to contact the Damme Tourist Office. Source: damme-online.com/nl/monumenten/molens/molenoostkerke.htm

And in almost every town is still a beautifully preserved windmill