“Barbed wire caught my eye as I walked by.” That’s what a hiker noted here once. But let’s delve deeper into the history of this Turmholländermühle.
This isn’t just any windmill. The Turmholländermühle is a tower mill. These mills feature a cylindrical tower-like structure. They are often made of stone. The cap on top could be fixed, but later designs featured a rotating hood.
Tower windmills became common in the 13th and 14th centuries. They were often built on castle walls. Fortifications and ramparts also served as locations for the mills. The Turmholländermühle near Leipzig tells a story of ingenuity.
On the Lower Rhine, these fortress mills had another name. People called them Bärenmühlen. This name refers to their squat design.
Originally, the wing cross or wheel was fixed. It was firmly attached to the mill tower. This meant it could not be rotated. The mill had to be aligned with the main wind direction during construction.
Since the 14th century, this type of mill spread across Europe. It became common in the Mediterranean region. Spain, Greece, and southern France all have examples. These mills are known as the “Mediterranean type”. They feature country-specific wing constructions. Some use a wing cross. This cross is based on the Western European pattern. Others have a windmill construction. This consists of four, six, or eight rods. These rods form a wheel. They connect at the ends with a wire. Up to twelve or more triangular sails attach to the rod ends.
This style is also called a “sail windmill”. The power was originally transmitted via simple gears. Later designs used cogwheels and vertical shafts.
The Deutsche Fotothek holds a photograph of this Turmholländermühle. The photo dates back to 1912. It offers a glimpse into the past. The image shows the mill standing proudly in the Leipziger Land.
Leipzig itself is a city steeped in history. It entered recorded history in 1015. It gained municipal status by 1170. Its location on major trade routes helped its commercial growth.
By 1700, Leipzig was Germany’s foremost commercial center. This growth led to a network of roads converging on the town. The Leipzig Fair became an important event.
Leipzig played a role in major battles. The Battle of Leipzig in 1813 was one such event. Massive demonstrations in 1989 also helped end East Germany’s communist regime.
Today, Leipzig is known for its trade fairs. Its industries include engineering and manufacturing. The University of Leipzig dates back to 1409.
The Turmholländermühle stands as a reminder of this rich past. It connects us to the ingenuity. It reminds us the resourcefulness of those who came before us. Though disused now the Turmholländermühle still inspires. Take a moment to appreciate its history.