HONDSCHOOTE MILLS
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This mill was the scene of a battle between the French army and the Hanoverian offensive.
The municipality of Honsdchoote has two mills: the Noordmeulen (North Mill) and the Spinnewyn (Victory Mill). Only the Spinnewyn, rebuilt in 1993 on the basis of the original plans, can be visited by reservation. Built before September 1793, it was the scene of a battle between the French army and the Hanoverian offensive. It was pulled down a century later because it was too damaged. It was erected again on the occasion of the bicentenary of the battle of Hondschoote, in memory of the gendarmes who took part. But the Noordmeulen is also worth a look: this windmill on a pivot was already in operation in 1547, but dates back to... 1127 ! A date engraved on the main beam of the building. This makes this mill one of the oldest in Europe! Bought by the Danes family in 1717, the following millers have never stopped writing their name on the beam dated 1127. It was moved in 1773, to be at least 250 feet from the road, because the noise of the turning wings frightened the horses and cattle. The daughters of the last miller tried to maintain it, but it was a difficult task. The town hall bought it in 1980 and restored it, step by step, until 1988. A little anecdote, a quote is engraved in the mill: "Strength is good. Genius is better. "There are sometimes animations at the foot of the mill. In the Coppens street (where it is located), the mill has indeed for neighbor an association (The Pilgrims of the Westhoek) which accomodates the pilgrims and has some beds at their intention.
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