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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Moulin-Neuf de Brignemont, built in 1740, is a windmill of the truncated tower type, built on a hill in the village of Brignemont. It belonged to the seigneury of Séguenville. Its characteristic structure, with thick walls at the base simmering upwards, is covered with an outer coating. Access is via a door located on the north face, sheltered from prevailing winds. Inside, a hanging oak staircase, without ramp, leads to the first floor where the wheels are located.

The mill mechanism, mainly made of wood, includes a pair of two-metre-diameter flint grinding wheels. This system, still in place, is signed "made + year + 1856 by + Favarol + son +", indicating a restoration or major modification in the nineteenth century. The mill was restored in 1996 and is occasionally restarted for demonstrations. It has been listed as a Historic Monument since November 25, 1991, including its mechanism.

Architecturally, the Moulin-Neuf illustrates the traditional construction techniques of the windmills of the region, with a brick and earth mortar structure. Its compact and preserved gear system demonstrates the ingenuity of pre-industrial mechanisms. Today, it is a rare example of a mill still partially functional, offering an overview of milling practices in the past.

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