Timeline

Heritage classified

Origin and history

The Steen-Meulen windmill, built in 1864 in Terdeghem, is a brick truncated tower mill, representing one of the last attempts to exploit wind energy at a time when coal and thermal energy were beginning to dominate. Its archaic architecture, with 24 metre-wide cross-wings and a covering system, contrasts with the industrial innovations of its time. Its dual chevron tail mechanism, typically Flemish, allows a easier handling of the cap despite its heaviness, thanks to a toothed wheel cart running on a racked monorail.

This mill replaced an old pivot mill and was initially used as an oil twister before being equipped with two pairs of grinding wheels operated by a wooden gear. A brake on the large wheel completed his mechanical device. Although designed according to traditional techniques, it illustrates a technological transition, marking the persistence of artisanal know-how in the face of the industrial revolution. Its state of conservation now allows for demonstrations of operation, offering a living testimony of this mechanical heritage.

Ranked a Historical Monument by order of 24 October 1977, the Steen-Meulen also embodies a Flemish cultural heritage in the North of France. Its location on a motte and its innovative tail system for the time made it a rare example of windmill adapted to the technical and environmental constraints of its time. The restoration that he benefited from underlines his heritage importance, both for its architecture and for its role in the local history of milling and oil production.

External links