D’Admiraal

Gazing at D’Admiraal, can you hear the whispers of Elisabeth Admiraal? This remarkable woman, born in 1702, commissioned this mill in 1792. D’Admiraal stands as a testament to her vision. This isn’t just any windmill. D’Admiraal is the last remaining wind-powered trass and chalk mill in the world. Located in Amsterdam North-Buiksloot along the Noord Hollands Kanaal, it’s a unique national monument. D’Admiraal’s history is filled with fascinating characters. Elisabeth Admiraal, already in her nineties, purchased the land for the mill. Imagine the determination of this woman, investing in such a project at her age. The mill, completed the same year, was built by millwright Simon Krol. D’Admiraal ground various stones, including chalk and trass. Trass, a volcanic stone from the Eifel region, was vital for bricklaying. The mill played a crucial role in Amsterdam North’s history for over two centuries. After Elisabeth Admiraal’s passing in 1793, D’Admiraal changed hands several times. The mill eventually fell into disrepair under the ownership of the Sand and Gravel trading company. But D’Admiraal’s story doesn’t end there. In the 1960s, a dedicated group intervened, saving it from demolition. Restoration began in 1965. D’Admiraal reopened on November 4, 1967. Mayor Dr. I. Samkalden marked the occasion, putting D’Admiraal back into service. Today, D’Admiraal stands proudly, a symbol of resilience and industrial heritage. The mill’s rhythmic grinding echoes the whispers of its past, a reminder of Elisabeth Admiraal’s legacy.