Built in 1756, this is the region's most authentic pivot-type windmill. There used to be 11 windmills in the commune, which gradually disappeared due to disastrous legislation for the milling industry, wars and the advent of steam-powered flour mills. Today, it's the last survivor.
Ignace COUDEVILLE had the Moulin de la Briarde, now known as the Moulin DESCHODT, built at Le Riecle. The transom bears the initials of the two carpenters who built it (Philipe François and Ingelbertus Martin DE SMYTTERE).
In 1891, the pivot, attacked by a wood disease, broke under the action of a strong wind, and when it was repaired, it was moved 200 meters.
Relocated and restored, it became the property of DESCHAMPS DE PAS Joseph, then of the BEYAERT brothers, millers. Having been killed in action, the mill remained abandoned until it was taken over in 1921 by Mr. Abel DESCHODT. A perfect example of a vigorous Fleming and a staunch defender of mill preservation, he restored "La Briarde". La Bluterie dates back to 1926, when an oil engine was used to power the wind before 1939. It was replaced during the war by an old steam locomotive, and since the liberation by a 25 HP electric motor, driving one of the two millstones. Flour production ceased around 1963.
Mr. DESCHODT died on December 4, 1967, one year after donating his mill to the commune of Wormhout. With the help of the Association Régionale des Amis des Moulins, the municipality undertook major restoration work. A wooden mill on a two-storey pivot, its wingspan reaches 24 meters. It weighs an estimated 80 tons.
The mill can be visited by appointment, and is also open during the summer season according to a set schedule.
Ignace COUDEVILLE had the Moulin de la Briarde, now known as the Moulin DESCHODT, built at Le Riecle. The transom bears the initials of the two carpenters who built it (Philipe François and Ingelbertus Martin DE SMYTTERE).
In 1891, the pivot, attacked by a wood disease, broke under the action of a strong wind, and when it was repaired, it was moved 200 meters.
Relocated and restored, it became the property of DESCHAMPS DE PAS Joseph, then of the BEYAERT brothers, millers. Having been killed in action, the mill remained abandoned until it was taken over in 1921 by Mr. Abel DESCHODT. A perfect example of a vigorous Fleming and a staunch defender of mill preservation, he restored "La Briarde". La Bluterie dates back to 1926, when an oil engine was used to power the wind before 1939. It was replaced during the war by an old steam locomotive, and since the liberation by a 25 HP electric motor, driving one of the two millstones. Flour production ceased around 1963.
Mr. DESCHODT died on December 4, 1967, one year after donating his mill to the commune of Wormhout. With the help of the Association Régionale des Amis des Moulins, the municipality undertook major restoration work. A wooden mill on a two-storey pivot, its wingspan reaches 24 meters. It weighs an estimated 80 tons.
The mill can be visited by appointment, and is also open during the summer season according to a set schedule.
Rates
Rates
Adult price
From 2.50€
Child price
From 1€
Groups (Max capacity)
Groups (Max capacity)
- 30 Maximum number of people
Accepted customers
Accepted customers
- Individuals
- Groups
Location
Location
Spoken languages
Spoken languages
