Archaeological excavation of an old mill

Archaeologists from T&A and ADC have excavated the foundation of an old mill in Wormerveer on behalf of Markus BV and construction company De Nijs. The mill was located along the Zaan river, next to a former cattle food factory.

Mill "De Vrijheid"

The so-called Liberty Mill was built in 1742 as a peeling mill. Around 1780, the mill was converted into an oil mill. De Vrijheid was demolished in 1896 and moved to Alkmaar to serve as a flour mill (De Wachter). The mill was demolished there in 1918.

Foundation blocks

The remains of the mill found during the archaeological excavation mainly consist of foundation blocks, intended to transfer the weight from the mill to the surface. In the case of Molen de Vrijheid, the brick foundations were based on pile foundations, consisting of several wooden piles.

New construction project

New homes are being built on the site in Westknollendam. The old cattle food factory itself is being converted into apartments. The remains of the foundation of the oil mill are located next to the factory.