Ever wonder how metal was crafted centuries ago? I will tell you a story about Ratsmühle in Freiberg. It is a tale of ingenuity and hard work.
The Freibergsdorf Hammer Mill, not far from here, offers a glimpse into this past. This mill was vital for metalworking in Freibergsdorf. Freibergsdorf is a part of Freiberg. It stands as a testament to the Ore Mountains’ industrial history.
Once, many hammer mills dotted this region. Today, only a few working mills remain in Saxony. Among them are the Frohnauer Hammer, the Dorfchemnitz Iron Hammer Mill, and the Grünthal Copper Hammer Mill. The Freibergsdorf Hammer Mill is special. It is the sole surviving iron hammer mill in the Freiberg Mining Region. Remarkably, it was also the last hammer mill in Saxony to remain in operation.
Its history dates back to 1607. Ernst Schönlebe, the owner of the Freibergsdorf demesne, was granted water rights for his iron bar mill. Disputes over the Goldbach river’s water often arose. The Freiberg Mine, the hammer mill, and a neighboring mill were often in conflict. Over time, the mill produced iron goods for the mining industry. Tools like hammers, chisels, and crowbars were made here. They also created implements for agriculture.
The mill remained privately owned until 1903. St. John’s Hospital then acquired it. From 1903 to 1945, copper products became the main output. Commercial operations ceased in 1974.
Between 1979 and 1989, the Freibergsdorf Hammer Mill underwent reconstruction. The roof timbers, water wheels, and hammer axle were repaired. The rubble stone walls and water chests were also restored. The hammer mill opened to the public in 1991. Visits are possible by appointment. You can also visit during events like German Mill Day or the Day of Traditional Crafts. The Freibergsdorf Hammer Mill Society diligently cares for it.
The hammer equipment remains fully operational. Water flows from the mill pond through a channel. It powers a wooden overshot wheel nearly four meters in diameter. The octagonal driving shaft is made of oak. It weighs about 7 tonnes and is 9.5 meters long. Iron tappets on the driving shaft operate three tilt hammers. These hammers weigh 250, 200, and 100 kg respectively.
Imagine the rhythmic clang of the hammers. Picture the water wheel turning, powering the machinery. Feel the history within these walls. The Ratsmühle and the nearby Freibergsdorf Hammer Mill represent Freiberg’s rich industrial past. They remind us of the ingenuity and labor that shaped this region.