“Moulin Buret” someone whispers. Let me tell you the story of this old windmill. It stands as a testament to time and change. The Moulin Buret has a fascinating story. It involves balloons and blockhouses. This is a story of transformation.
The Moulin Buret was once called the Moulin de Beuvry. It also was known as the Moulin du Ballon. It was built to grind wheat. This mill is the last one standing in the village. Today the Moulin Buret is a historical monument. It is owned by the commune of Beuvry. You can find it near Rue Ampère. It is not far from Rue de Lens.
The history of a windmill on this site goes way back. As far back as the 13th century there was a windmill here. In 1762, Mademoiselle de Ghistelles owned the mill. When she died her property went to her nephew. He was Prince Philippe de Ghistelles.
Now for a surprising event. The Robert brothers landed near this old mill with their hot air balloon. They had flown all the way from the Jardin des Tuileries in Paris. Imagine the scene. They narrowly avoided hitting the mill’s sails. From then on, the area was called the Ballon quarter. There was a reception at the Prince’s castle. Everyone was amazed by the balloon landing. The Prince and his son signed a document confirming the event. They even held celebrations for the Robert brothers.
The revolution changed things. Philippe Alexandre Emmanuel de Ghistelles lost his property. It was sold at auction. Antoine Dhoudain became the new owner. He paid 15,500 livres.
Some years later a storm damaged the pivot mill. It was replaced by the current Moulin Buret. In 1811 the owner rebuilt the mill. It was made of durable materials. It was used for milling and animal feed. Later the Buret family acquired the mill through inheritance. That is when it became known as Moulin Buret.
The sails of the Moulin Buret turned until 1900. Then it was abandoned. During World War I the structure became a blockhouse. Its sails were removed. Later the Vicoigne mining company owned it. In 1983, the commune of Beuvry bought the Moulin Buret.
By 1970, only the main structure remained. The framework was gone. But the overall condition was good. The ARAM association undertook restoration from 1985 to 1992. The region and other councils provided funding.
The Moulin Buret stands on a sandstone base. The tower is 9.20 meters in diameter. It is made of red bricks and limestone. The roof is 18.80 meters high. The wingspan is 24.60 meters. Two pairs of millstones ground the wheat. They were each 2 meters in diameter.
The restoration replaced the track and oak frame. Volunteers from the Compagnons du Devoir built the chestnut shingle roof. The wings were installed in 1991. The sails followed in 1992. That same year, the Moulin Buret was inaugurated.
The Moulin Buret is now a historical monument. It is a symbol of the area’s rich past.
So as you stand before the Moulin Buret remember its journey. It was a mill then a landmark and now a monument. The Moulin Buret continues to watch over the village of Beuvry. It connects us to the past. It inspires us to preserve our history for future generations.