Windmill De Herder

This windmill at the Westerpoort in Medemblik is mentioned in city maps since 1555. After almost four hundred years of service, the mill is demolished in 1947. In 1985 the ‘Stichting de Medemblikker Meelmolen’ (Medemblik Flour Mill Foundation) is founded and the octagon of the 300-year old oil mill from Zaandam, ‘De Herder’, is purchased. This mill was located between Jisp and Wormer from 1695 to 1903 and in Willeskop for the next 80 years. In 1986 enthusiastic volunteers and professional mill constructors began carefully disassembling the mill in Willeskop and reassembling it in Medemblik. On 9 May 1990 HRH Prince Claus officially commissioned the windmill by lifting the brake. We would love for you to come visit our gorgeous windmill. We will give you a tour, explaining exactly how we are still turning grain into flour today. Educational for all ages. Children can get an actually milling certificate. In addition, you can enjoy a delicious cup of coffee with home-made apple pie at the gatehouse with the most beautiful view of Medemblik. Children can now earn a certificate. If the children pay close attention during the tour and pass the miller’s test, they can become proud owners of a real miller certificate. The mill is also open to birthday parties for children or excursions for (primary) schools. We begin with a tour, then baking pancakes and finally the kids can do a colouring picture or a knowledge test of the flour mill. The Foundation has commissioned Het Poorthuisje in May 2014. Every Saturday you can enjoy a delicious beverage here with home-made apple pie or a grilled sandwich. You can also rent the Poorthuisje in combination with a tour of the flour mill, for occasions such as birthdays, receptions, baby showers, neighbourhood gatherings, meetings, workshops and expositions. Options include a half day with anything ranging from a simple beverage to a complete package. By visiting the Poorthuisje you also support the flour mill.