's Hertogenmolens

In the charming Belgian city of Aarschot, nestled along the banks of the picturesque Demer River, lies a historical gem that has stood the test of time: the 's Hertogenmolens. This former watermill complex, dating back to the early 16th century, is a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of the people who built and maintained it through centuries of tumultuous history. Today, the 's Hertogenmolens is not only a stunning architectural marvel but also a vibrant cultural hub that invites visitors to explore its storied past and enjoy its modern amenities.

The Origins and Construction

The story of 's Hertogenmolens begins in the aftermath of the destruction of Aarschot in 1489 by the troops of Maximilian of Austria. The town slowly began to rebuild, and by 1507, after narrowly escaping further military conflict, Willem II van Croÿ, the Lord of Aarschot, decided to strengthen the town's defenses. Part of his plan involved replacing the three earlier watermills east of the town with a fortified complex of watermills on both banks of the Demer River, where it exits the city near the Beguinage.

Construction of the mills began around 1515, with a foundation laid on solid ground in the orchard of the Beguinage. Oak piles were driven into the stable sand layer, and cross beams were placed to support a wooden floor. The complex featured a watermill on each bank, connected by a sluice gate. The southern mill, a ban mill, was used for grinding grain and was first leased in May 1517. The northern mill, equipped for grinding grain, oil, and bark, was leased six months later. Despite a fire around 1522 that rendered the northern mill inoperative, the southern mill continued to function, and the northern mill was eventually rebuilt and repurposed over the years.

Surviving the Ancien Régime

Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, the 's Hertogenmolens complex saw various changes and refurbishments. In 1578, Aarschot was captured and burned by Protestant troops, severely damaging the mills. However, by 1579, the southern grain mill was operational again, serving the Spanish garrison quartered in the town. In 1582, the mill complex became part of a Spanish fort, and a central building was constructed over the sluice gate between 1580 and 1590.

Despite plans by Duke Charles III of Croÿ to rebuild the mills, they were never realized. In 1635, the complex came into the possession of the Arenberg family. By 1663-1664, a fulling and oil mill was built in the former bark mill. Drawings from this period depict the mills as three buildings: one mill on each bank and a central structure covering the sluice gate, with open milling pits for the waterwheels between the mills and the sluice.

The 19th Century: A Time of Change

In 1795, the mills were sold at a public auction and acquired by Thomas Trouet from Leuven. The complex changed hands several times until 1816, when it was purchased by Peter Ectors. The Ectors family owned the mills for nearly a century. In 1817, a fire destroyed the northern bark and malt mill, but it was rebuilt. To facilitate navigation, a new arm of the Demer and a lock were constructed next to the mills in 1851, completed in 1853.

By 1855, the southern grain mill had been modernized according to the English model, with two waterwheels driving seven pairs of millstones. The proximity to the railway station, built in 1863, improved transportation and distribution. The northern mill, facing competition from the petroleum and chemical industries, was converted to a grain mill in 1875. The complex continued to evolve, with the large sluice gate being renewed in 1889.

The 20th Century: Decline and Renewal

As the 20th century dawned, the 's Hertogenmolens struggled to compete with modern mills that no longer relied on water power. In 1910, the Belgian State acquired the complex and leased it to the Le Cerf family. After World War I, new activities began, including a sawmill and a glass grinding operation. The latter became highly successful, with products exported internationally. The mills continued to use water power, optimized with horizontal turbines in the northern mill.

During World War II, the mills were damaged by Allied bombings in 1944. The Belgian State carried out repairs between 1953 and 1955. In 1961, Le Cerf installed electrically powered glass mills in the northern wing. However, declining demand for glass powder led to the cessation of activities in 1973, and the complex was abandoned in 1985. The southern facade collapsed in 1986.

Architectural Heritage and Renovation

The 's Hertogenmolens is a prime example of traditional architecture, with its lower structure made of local iron sandstone interspersed with layers of white sandstone, and the rest of the building constructed of brick. The elongated building features stepped and gabled roofs covered with natural slate.

In 1986, the mills were designated a protected monument, and their surroundings were classified as a protected urban or village landscape. In 2009, they were recognized as architectural heritage. From August 2007 to April 2010, the mills underwent extensive renovations as part of a broader urban redevelopment project. The Brussels-based architectural firm noA led the restoration, using corten steel and iron oxide-colored concrete to harmonize with the existing structures.

Today, the 's Hertogenmolens complex houses a hotel, a brasserie, and conference rooms, blending its rich history with modern functionality. Visitors can explore the beautifully restored buildings, learn about the site's fascinating past, and enjoy the serene riverside setting. The 's Hertogenmolens stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Aarschot's industrious spirit and architectural heritage.