Broekzijder Molen

Did the year 1641 hold a secret? It does for the Broekzijder Molen. This sturdy windmill, nestled along the tranquil Gein River in Abcoude, first turned its sails that very year. The Broekzijder Molen, also known as the Broekzijdse Molen, stands as the oldest windmill in the province of Utrecht. It’s a testament to Dutch ingenuity, built initially as a binnenkruier, an inside-cranked mill, reflecting the then common practice in the region. The Broekzijder Molen diligently drained the 317-hectare Broekzijdse Polder, keeping the land dry and fertile until 1980. Even then, the Broekzijder Molen didn’t retire. It continued its work with the help of a modern engine, a partnership that lasted until 1976. The windmill has been in the care of Stichting De Utrechtse Molens since 1968. They’ve ensured its preservation, undertaking major restorations in 2009. These included repairs to the cap and rotating mechanism, new supports and tail, and in 2011, the water wheel was lowered, enabling the Broekzijder Molen to continue its age-old task of water management. The Broekzijder Molen boasts a unique feature: the “spleetwiek,” or split sail, designed by A.J. Dekker. This system, employed from 1952, sometimes caused friction with P.L. Fauël, who held a patent for a similar design. This dispute led to the addition of windboards to the split sails, altering their aerodynamic properties. For a long time, the Broekzijder Molen was unique in its use of this modified system. In late 2023, however, the Grosmolen in Hoogmade also adopted it. In 2021, the Broekzijder Molen’s sails were temporarily stilled due to concerns about the welds on the rods. However, on January 10, 2025, the Broekzijder Molen received brand new sails, allowing it to stand tall and proud once more, ready to capture the wind and continue its centuries-old story. While the Broekzijder Molen is a private residence and not open to the public, its presence graces the landscape, a reminder of the ingenuity and perseverance that shaped this region. It’s a story whispered on the wind, a secret held within the turning sails of the Broekzijder Molen.