POLDERMOLEN
(DRAINAGE MILL)

These large drainage mills developed in North Holland during the 16th century and evolved from the wipmolen. The top was smaller and the mill body larger, so the mill could generate more power and provide more suitable living accommodations.

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These large mills could turn the cap (top) from below by means of a tail pole. The base of the large drainage mill was usually built in the form of an octagon.

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These molen were often built in groups of five, each one lifting the water three feet.