The watermill in Tielen has a rich history dating back to 1526. According to old laws, rulers were allowed to lend the power of flowing water and wind to the local lord, who obliged farmers to have their grain milled there. This meant that the miller, in the service of the lord, received taxes in kind from the farmers for every milling session. Due to the limited drop in elevation of the rivers in the Kempen region, the wheel of this watermill is driven by an undershot mill, where the water drives the wheel from below. The mill was passed down from generation to generation for centuries. In 1918, the mill was purchased by miller Fik Dionys, who maintained it until after the Second World War, when agriculture changed and the miller's trade became unprofitable. After the death of the last miller, Louis Dionys, in 1981, the mill was sold and lovingly restored. The mill house, which dates from 1681, still features the characteristic basket arch above the door.
Part of: Belgium