De Windotter, IJsselstein

The Windotter is the name of the round stone wall and rack mill built in IJsselstein, province of Utrecht, in 1732. The mill is located on the southwest side of the city wall of IJsselstein. The mill was originally a coercive mill, a mill where farmers from the surrounding area were obliged to have their grain ground. Taxes were also levied with the grinding or scheploon. In 1881 a steam engine was installed in an outbuilding, so that the mill could grind even in windless weather.

The height of the scaffolding of the Windotter is 6.7 meters. The mill has a sails of 26 meters. The Windotter belongs to one of the largest corn mills in the Netherlands.

The last miller, B. van Woerden, sold the mill in 1918. Partial demolition of the cap, the running gear and the sails followed. Until 1978 the mill was used as a dwelling and for storage of fuel. In 1984 the municipality of IJsselstein bought the remainder and had the mill restored. Since then the Windotter, owned by the Stichting 's-Herenkorenmolen in IJsselstein, has been in full operation. The windmill is in operation at least five days a week, providing ample opportunity for sightseeing by, for example, individual tourists and groups such as school classes. The Windotter's products are purchased by bakers, restaurants, wholesalers and home bakers. In addition to the mill store, there is a tea room. This can be reserved for all kinds of occasions up to a number of 10 people.