The Vrouwgeest Windmill

The Vrouwgeest Mill was built in 1797 by the carpenter and millwright Hendrik Kooperdraat from Alphen, for the sum of 19,800 guilders. The mill is now owned by the Rijnlandse Molenstichting (Rijnland Mill Foundation).

The Vrouwgeest Mill is a thatched, eight-sided ground sailer. This means it is a low mill that can be operated easily from the ground. It is a watermill that uses a steel Archimedes' screw to lift water from the Vrouwgeest polder to the Heimanswetering canal, helping to keep the polder dry.

Since 1966, an electric pumping station has also been in use in the polder, and the mill now serves a supporting role in the polder’s drainage system. The base water level is regulated by the electric station, but during heavy rainfall, the mill is activated to help maintain the correct level. For that reason, the mill often runs on weekends and evenings, provided there is enough wind and water.

Since 1797, the Vrouwgeest Mill has been operated and inhabited by the Vrolijk family – for six generations. The miller’s craft has been passed down from father to son. Today, the mill is operated on a voluntary basis by Hans Vrolijk, who tends to it with great passion alongside his job as a technician. His father, Karel Vrolijk, was both miller and farmer, which was necessary to make ends meet and support his wife and four children.