Nederland - Laag-Keppel, watermolen

Laag-Keppel became city rights as ‘Keppel’ in the year of 1404. With about 500 inhabitants is one of the smallest cities in the Netherlands. Laag-Keppel is located in the so called Achterhoek on the river Oude IJssel between Doetinchem and Doesburg.

Since the 14th century Laag-Keppel has a watermill. The current mill was built in the 19th century and until 1945 it was in operation. From that year an electric motor was driving the grinder due to a lack of water. In 1968 a plan was made to grind the mill on its original way by hydropower. Therefore a small windmill - a so called ‘spinnenkopmolen’ - was transferred from the province of Friesland with the intention of lowering the water level in the mill pond. Although it doesn’t work properly, it offers a unique watermill-windmill combination in a very peaceful setting.

Main picture: watermill
PiP: windmill with mill pond

For more info about the mills (Dutch): keppelsemolens.nl