Sites

Archive Import
History: Prince Albert lies at the foot of the Swartberg Pass, 72 km from Oudtshoorn and 45 km from the national road between Laingsburg and Beaufort West. It is an interesting old town, with its whitewashed gabled houses which strongly reflect the characteristic architecture of the Cape. For the moment, however, we turn our attention to the interesting old watermill on the left of the main road as one leaves the town to enter the Swartberg Pass. -
The grinding of wheat forms an interesting chapter in the history of South Africa. The first settlers at the Cape, coming as they did from the Netherlands, made use of windmills; an example of one is Mostert’s Mill alongside De Waal Drive, Cape Town. As the settlement expanded into the interior, water- mills, and in the absence of water, horse-mills were set up at centrally situated places. The mills played an important part in the life of the community and most of the places where they were erected are known. Unfortunately many of them have disappeared. The old water-mill at Prince Albert is not only of historical but also of cultural importance.
The old mill was erected in about 1850 by Mr. H. J. Bates. He built the little building that houses the mill as well as a waterwheel 2,4 m in diameter, and then constructed a furrow to lead the water from a mountain stream. The mill was taken over from Mr. Botes by Mr. N. A. A. Alberts in 1865. In due course it passed from him to his son, and eventually to his grandson, the present owner. Thus the operation of the mill has become a family business in which the owner periodically renews the waterwheel and grinds new grindstones from sandstone brought from the district of George. The capacity of the mill is about one bag of wheat per hour, but many believe that bread made with this flour has a special flavour and aroma.
In 1963 the old mill was threatened by modern develop men. The road had to be widened and it was found that the mill encroached on the road reserve. Fortunately it had been proclaimed an historical monument and, with the sympathetic collaboration of the authorities, a solution was found that left the historic mill untouched.
Proclaimed 1959"
Visual Description:
Colours:
Site Features:
Condition:
Construction Date: 1850c
Materials:
Catalogue: Prince Albert, 1995, No: 02.01, Significance Category: