An old water mill on Rue de la Monnaie. That’s where our story about the Hoogmolen begins. This Hoogmolen stands as a testament to Lille’s rich history. The Hoogmolen is a reminder of a time when water powered the city. Lille owes its very existence to the Deûle River.
Originally, Lille was born from water. The Deûle is a secondary river with a modest flow. But this river was on a major traffic route. This route connected the Flemish cities and the Champagne fairs. The town developed where there was a break in the river’s course. Goods had to be unloaded there. They were then transported to a more navigable section. From its start, Lille was a port. This infrastructure foreshadowed its role as a trading city.
The name “Lille” itself reflects its watery past. In Old French, “isle” meant island. The Dutch word “rijsel” also means island. Both refer to Lille’s origins as a city surrounded by the Deûle. This explains why cellars in Lille are so often flooded.
The Hoogmolen, an old water mill, stands as a testament to this history. You can see it with its openings like windows, without a roof or any other walls. It is not a contemporary piece of art. It is an old water mill from the 13th century. The Saint-Pierre canal once crossed Rue de la Monnaie. This canal powered the Hoogmolen. Countess Jeanne de Flandre donated it to the Hospice Comtesse in 1237.
The Hoogmolen whispers tales of Countess Jeanne de Flandre. She was a beloved ruler. She understood the importance of water to Lille’s prosperity. Her gift to the Hospice Comtesse ensured the mill would serve the community. The mill provided essential resources. It supported the hospice’s work.
Imagine the Hoogmolen in its prime. The rhythmic splash of water. The creak of the wooden wheel. The grind of millstones. The industry of millers. All this activity was central to Lille’s economy. The Saint-Pierre canal bustled with boats. They carried goods to and from the mill. The Hoogmolen was more than just a mill. It was a symbol of Lille’s ingenuity and connection to the water.
Today, only a fragment of the Hoogmolen remains. It is a wall with window-like openings. It stands as a reminder of Lille’s past. It speaks of a time when water was the lifeblood of the city. Yet, even in its ruined state, the Hoogmolen sparks the imagination. It invites us to reflect on Lille’s journey from an island settlement to a major European metropolis.
The Hoogmolen is a reminder of Lille’s resourceful past. It is a testament to Lille’s ability to adapt. It is a symbol of the city’s enduring spirit. The Hoogmolen echoes the stories of the past. It whispers of the Countess and the industry it once housed. It shows Lille’s intimate connection with the Deûle River. So, next time you stroll along Rue de la Monnaie, take a moment. Remember the Hoogmolen. Remember Lille’s watery origins.