Noordmolen Twickel

A water mill more than 650 years old

In the Noordmolen on the Twickel Estate near Ambt Delden, oil is beaten from linseed (flax seed). This is done in three stages (see photos above).

The first production process is the crushing of the linseed, which takes place in the kollergang. The grinding wheels crush the linseed into a pulp. The scraper scrapes the spilt seed back under the stones. When the seed has been sufficiently crushed, the miller lowers the runner and opens the slide, with which the linseed pulp falls into the pulp container.

The second operation is the heating of the linseed pulp. The heating takes place on the vuister. This is a sandstone hearth covered by a steel plate. On top is a bottomless pan in which the linseed pulp is heated to around 40 degrees. When the pulp is warmed up, the miller pulls the pan with its contents over the funnels, after which the pulp falls into the two suspended hoppers (sacks).

The third operation is the beating of oil. Oil is struck on the press. Here, the sacks are placed between two pressing boards and then into the press. By means of a falling beam, the wedge is hammered down and pressure is exerted on the linseed pulp. This liquefies and the oil is pressed out of the sacks.

During opening hours the mill is in operation and the oil is beaten. The millers provide information and explanations about the processes described above, among other things. The mill has been restored several times over the centuries. Since May 1990, volunteers have kept the mill in operation. In 2006, another major restoration was necessary. Not only the mill, but also the mill wheel, the quay walls and the bridge were in need of renovation. In addition, thanks to health and safety regulations, a miller’s house had to be built. This house was built as much as possible according to the old techniques used in the construction of mills. This very large renovation project was realised partly thanks to European subsidy (Leader+). For an overview of the restorations, see the short description on the History page.

In 2017, the old craft of miller was recognised by UNESCO as Cultural Intangible Heritage.

Admission is free. A voluntary contribution towards the upkeep of the mill is appreciated. The Noordmolen is run entirely by volunteers and receives no structural subsidies.

If you would like to see how oil has been struck in the Noordmolen Twickel for more than 650 years and hear the millers explain their work, come and see for yourself. You can combine your visit with a walk on the beautiful Twickel estate. Directions are available at the mill.