Egeby Mølle

Had the old Egeby Mølle known what the future held, it might have braced itself a bit more firmly in 1787. This post mill, standing proudly 5 kilometers east of Aakirkeby on the beautiful island of Bornholm, has seen a lot of history. Egeby Mølle witnessed the changing landscapes and the lives of the people who depended on its grinding power. Egeby Mølle remained a vital part of the community, its sails turning tirelessly, until the late 1920s. The year 1794 brought a significant change. The mill was moved slightly closer to the road and widened by 30 centimeters. Perhaps this move was prompted by a lightning strike mentioned in the records, a dramatic event that surely left its mark. In 1847, Egeby Mølle faced another challenge, requiring repairs after another lightning strike. Imagine the townspeople rallying together, determined to restore their beloved mill. Originally, a half-timbered mill house stood beside Egeby Mølle, a charming addition that can be seen in photographs from 1928. Sadly, this historic structure is no longer there, replaced by a new house separate from the mill. In 1934, Foreningen Bornholm, a local heritage association, took ownership of Egeby Mølle, recognizing its historical significance. They have been the faithful guardians of the mill ever since, ensuring its preservation for generations to come. The 1960s saw new sails fitted to Egeby Mølle, giving it a fresh breath of life. But these sails were not destined to last. A fierce storm in 1987 forced their removal, a stark reminder of the power of nature. Thankfully, a comprehensive restoration project began in 1996 and brought Egeby Mølle back to its fully operational glory by 1999. Of the three surviving post mills on Bornholm, Egeby Mølle stands out as the most characteristic, a true testament to traditional windmill design. Picture its timber frame, topped with a wooden roof and adorned with four latticed sails. Inside, you would find a single millstone made of Nexø sandstone, a local touch. The restoration work in 1999 retained as much of the original machinery as possible, preserving the mill’s authentic character. However, essential components like the sails, base, roofing, and external cladding had to be replaced, ensuring the mill’s structural integrity for years to come. Egeby Mølle is not just a historical relic, it’s a living testament to the ingenuity and resilience of the people of Bornholm.