Conclusion

The position and dimensions of the different machinery described in this chapter, and more specifically of the boulter, show the need to extend the mill. As we have pointed out in the introduction, the water mill was originally smaller. Possibly this meant a change from a one-step disposition with only one millstone pair to a two-step disposition with three millstone pairs. The machinery on the top floor, i.e. the sack hoist, the milling separator, the flour elevator and the boulter, are proof that in the second half of the 18th century this mill introduced a greater automation, which undoubtedly contributed to an increased production. Water mills have always been very traditional workshops and only the need for an increased production could justify the investment necessary to extend the mill.

A disadvantage however of additional machinery is that these require an increase in power, which is not always available on this small brook. The extent of the rebuilding and expansion of the water mill had to be carefully considered so as not to endanger its economic enterprise and survival. Even at the scale of a small workshop, no economic activity can accept stagnation. The funds needed to rebuild the mill had to be compared to the foreseeable increase in production.

The extension was carried out in 1775 and can clearly be seen until the present day in the following pictures.

If we take as reference point the traces of transformation at both side walls and adapt the plans, we notice that originally the mill had fewer millstone pairs. The sack hoist and the staircase also disappear from the picture. The same applies to the small back door.

The next chapter at a glance:

Where we will give these old mills, true witnesses of the technical ingenuity of our ancestors, a place in our modern-day society and enquire about their immediate future.