't Vliegend Hert

't Vliegend Hert is an 18th-century windmill located in Brill, Netherlands.

Overview

The mill's history dates back to its construction in 1729 and has been a significant part of the region's industrial heritage.

History

The 't Vliegend Hert was built in 1729 for the Chamber of Zeeland. Its maiden voyage took place in December 1730, departing from Fort Rammekens (Netherlands) to Batavia (now Jakarta, Indonesia), commanded by captain Abraham van der Hart.

The ship's cargo included wood, building materials, iron, gunpowder, and wine, as well as several chests with gold and silver coins.

Tragically, the ship ran aground in the Scheldt estuary on February 3, 1735, accompanied by the smaller ship Anna Catherina. Both ships were lost with all cargo and crew.

In the following days, barrels with jenever, beer, and oil washed ashore on the beaches of Blankenberge and Nieuwpoort.

In 1981, the wreck site was rediscovered, and many artifacts, including wine bottles, bullets, and an intact coffer with gold and silver coins, were retrieved.

A second chest filled with gold ducats and Spanish reales was discovered in 1991, along with several cases of silver ducatoons.

Architecture

't Vliegend Hert is a smock mill, constructed from traditional Dutch materials such as wood and thatch.

The mill's design is characteristic of the region's windmill architecture, with a distinctive tower and a single sail.

Location

The 't Vliegend Hert is situated in Brill, Netherlands, at an address of Molenstraat 15.

The surrounding landscape features rolling hills and farmland, providing a picturesque setting for the mill.

Current Status and Use

Although the windmill's original purpose was as a grain mill, it has been preserved as a historic landmark and is no longer in use as a working mill.

Visitors can explore the mill's interior and learn about its rich history.

Heritage Status and Preservation Efforts

't Vliegend Hert has been recognized for its historical significance and is protected by local authorities.

Efforts have been made to preserve the mill and its surroundings, ensuring that it remains an important part of the region's cultural heritage.

Visiting Information

The 't Vliegend Hert is open to visitors and can be explored through guided tours or self-guided visits.

Visitors can learn about the mill's history, architecture, and significance in the region.

Notable Historical Events

The 't Vliegend Hert has played a significant role in Dutch maritime history, particularly during its time as an East Indiaman ship.

The ship's cargo and crew were lost at sea, but many artifacts have been recovered over the years, providing valuable insights into the region's industrial past.