De Bloem

Across the Haarlemmerweg stands De Bloem, a windmill with a story as rich as the grain it once ground. De Bloem, also known as “De Blom” or “the 400 Roe,” tells a tale of relocation and resilience. The nickname “400 Roe” refers to its distance from the Haarlemmerpoort, about one and a half kilometers. Originally situated near the Jan Roodenpoort gate in the Jordaan district, De Bloem’s journey began in 1614. The mill was moved to a new bulwark, a common practice for smock mills like De Bloem at the time. It wasn’t the first move for this industrious mill. Records suggest it previously stood outside the Regulierspoort, meaning De Bloem has been relocated at least three times. From 1768 to 1878, De Bloem graced the Rijkeroort bulwark along the Singelgracht. Both the mill and the street took their names from this bulwark, “De Blom,” meaning “The Flower.” In the late 19th century, the Dutch Reformed Church bought De Bloem due to planned expansions near the Westerkerk. These plans were abandoned, and the previous owners repurchased De Bloem in 1870 at a reduced price. This discount reflected the city’s plans to construct Marnixstraat, which unfortunately put De Bloem directly in its path. Dismantled in 1877, De Bloem’s parts were carefully stored, destined for reassembly at its current location, then part of the municipality of Sloten. Rebuilt in 1878, De Bloem was given a new four-meter high stone substructure, an eight-sided base, and a cap. In the early 20th century, self-adjusting sails were added, later replaced with traditional Dutch sails after storm damage in 1922. With Sloten’s incorporation into Amsterdam in 1921, De Bloem once again became an Amsterdam landmark. Sold to the city in 1927, it was rented out to various businesses. A motor was added to allow milling even on windless days. De Bloem continued operation into the 1950s, though electric milling became more common. Between 1963 and the early 1970s, De Bloem opened for visitors and housed a hospitality business. A spice trade operated within the mill from 1967 to 1998. Even on New Year’s Eve 2014, De Bloem’s story continued, as its thatched roof suffered damage from fireworks. Thankfully, De Bloem underwent restoration in 2023, ensuring its continued presence. De Bloem stands today, a testament to its enduring spirit and a tangible link to Amsterdam’s rich milling history.