PETER’S MILL
Introduction
The oldest preserved water mill within the territory of the Czech Republic is the ruin of Petter’s, or Peter’s Mill, located in the Mill Valley. Its original German name was Petermühle. The structure was built during the rapid development of the mining town and formed an important part of its economic background.
The age of the building was confirmed by dendrochronological research of the preserved wooden structures. Analysis of tree rings determined the construction period to the years 1525–1530.
History
The historic core consists of a lower building, originally two storeys high. A four-storey brick building of the new mill was later added to its southern wall. On the northern side of the historic structure, garages and additional operational buildings were constructed.
In 1930, Marie Schöfflová is documented as the owner of the mill and sawmill. At that time, an overshot water wheel and a turbine were installed, demonstrating modernization of the mill’s operation.
After the Second World War, the building served various purposes. It was used, for example, as a pharmaceutical warehouse. After the dam of Jezírko (Stadtteich) burst, chemicals and medicines were washed into the stream, and the warehouse was therefore closed. The site later housed a plastics processing factory. After the factory went bankrupt, the complex deteriorated. The decay was accelerated by metal theft and the cutting out of roof structures, eventually leading to partial structural collapse.
Description
The water wheel was placed on the northern gable wall. The millrace was led from the slope behind the western wall of the building. Water was supplied by means of vantroks – wooden troughs conducting overshot water to the wheel. The word vantrok derives from the German term Wandtrog, meaning wall-mounted trough. From a later period, a stone basin has also been preserved in which the water turbine was installed.
The ground-floor masonry was built of quarry stone. The first floor was timber-framed, with infill masonry of similar construction but smaller format. The ceilings were timber beam ceilings with boarding. The roof was gabled and covered with slate.
Restoration
Today the structure remains in a ruinous state. Discussions about its future continue, balancing heritage value, technical condition, and the economic demands of restoration. Nevertheless, Peter’s Mill remains an exceptional testimony to the early industrial and economic development of the town.
Petermühle is also one of the stops on the restored Mill Trail, known as the Severin Promenade.
Fotogalerie: https://mipalfi.rajce.idnes.cz/Petruv_mlyn_Pettermuhle/
