Tweede Broekermolen

Built in 1631, the Tweede Broekermolen stands before you, a testament to Dutch ingenuity. This isn’t just any windmill. The Tweede Broekermolen played a vital role in draining the vast 1,800-hectare Uitgeester- en Heemskerkerbroek polder. Imagine this landscape centuries ago, a marshy expanse prone to flooding. The Tweede Broekermolen, along with four other windmills, worked tirelessly to transform this watery wilderness into fertile land. The Tweede Broekermolen is an octagonal polder mill. It boasts a low stone base, supporting a weathered wooden upper structure, capped with a thick thatch roof. In 1866, the mill was modernized with a 2-meter diameter mortar. However, progress marched on. In 1874, a steam pumping station was built, later electrified in 1925, to further enhance drainage. This technological advancement rendered the windmills seemingly obsolete. Two of the polder mills were sold. Yet, the Tweede Broekermolen persevered. In 1975, it was restored to operational status, a tribute to its historical significance. A major renovation in 1989 breathed new life into the aging structure. Today, the Tweede Broekermolen stands as a working testament to Dutch engineering. It serves not only as a historical landmark but also as a home. The mill operates on a voluntary basis, its sails turning occasionally, keeping the spirit of the past alive. It’s a reminder of the constant battle against the water that shaped this land and the ingenuity of the people who harnessed the wind’s power to create the Netherlands we know today.