Molenbeek-Ter Erpenbeek
The Molenbeek-Ter Erpenbeek or in popular language Molenbeek (English: Millbrook-Ter Erpenbrook) is a brook in the Denderstreek, Belgium. The stream has a length of approximately 25 kilometers. The source of the Molenbeek is in Godveerdegem and the delta is located at Hofstade. This brook is not to be confused with another Molenbeek which also flows through Erpe-Mere (and Herzele).
| Molenbeek-Ter Erpenbeek | |
|---|---|
 East Flanders, in color the municipalities of the basin of the Molenbeek-Ter Erpenbeek. | |
| Location | |
| Country | Belgium |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Source | |
| • location | Godveerdegem |
| Mouth | |
• location | Dender in Hofstade |
• coordinates | 50.9549°N 4.0320°E |
| Length | 25 km (16 mi) |
| Basin size | 54.74 km2 (21.14 sq mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | Dender→ Scheldt→ North Sea |
Basin
The basin of the Molenbeek is located in the province of East Flanders and flows through the municipalities of Zottegem (Godveerdegem, Erwetegem, and Grotenberge), Herzele (Herzele, Sint-Lievens-Esse, Woubrechtegem, and Ressegem), Haaltert (Heldergem, Kerksken, and Haaltert), Erpe-Mere (Aaigem, Mere, and Erpe) and Aalst (Aalst and Hofstade).
The Molenbeek is part of the Molenbeek Erpe-Mere drainage basin, which is itself part of the Dender basin. The basin of the Molenbeek has an area of approximately 5474 hectares. The Molenbeek flows into the Dender at Hofstade.
From its source in Godveerdegem to the delta in Hofstade, the Molenbeek has the following tributaries: Plankebeek, Meilegembeek, De Burg's Heerendijkbeek, Grep, Holbeek, Steenbeek, and Zijpbeek.
Landmarks
- Due to the geography of the area, there are eight water mills in Erpe-Mere on the Molenbeek, of which six are protected by law. One of mills which was not protected has been converted into a house.
- On the Koudenberg, one of the highest hills of the community, there is a windmill that is protected by law. It was re-mounted on its base in 2006 after being restored in 2004 by a studio in Roeselare. The Kruiskoutermolen was restored in 2006 and is operational. It can be visited by appointment with the tourist service.
- There is also a water tower in Erpe in the basin of de Molenbeek.
| Place | Name(s) | Address | Type | Protected | Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aaigem | Engelsmolen Molen te Dalhem Molen te Dalme | Engelsmolen 1 | Overshot watermill |  Yes | It was originally a wheat mill, oil mill, and a flax attrition mill Later on it was only a wheat mill |
| Aaigem | Ratmolen Waterrat | Ratmolenstraat 42 | Overshot watermill | Yes | It was originally a wheat mill and an oil mill Later on it was only a wheat mill |
| Aaigem | Zwingelmolen | Aaigembergstraat 10 | Overshot watermill |  No | It was originally a flax attrition mill Later on it became a chicory mill The mill wheel has been removed It has been renovated as a house |
| Erpe | Cottemmolen | Molenstraat 36 | Overshot watermill | Yes | It was originally a wheat mill and an oil mill Later on it was only a wheat mill |
| Erpe | Van Der Biestmolen | Dorpsstraat 3 | Overshot watermill | No | Wheat mill |
| Mere | De Graevesmolen | Bosstraat 25 | Overshot watermill | Yes | Wheat mill and an oil mill |
| Mere | Gotegemmolen | Gotegemstraat 1 | Overshot watermill | Yes | Wheat mill |
| Mere | Kruiskoutermolen Jezuïtenmolen Molen Van Der Haegen | Schoolstraat | Post windmill with open foot | Yes | Wheat mill |
| Mere | Molen te Broeck 't Hof Schuurke | Wilgendries 6 | Overshot watermill | Yes | Wheat mill |
Engelsmolen at Aaigem
Mill wheel of the Engelsmolen at Aaigem
Ratmolen at Aaigem
Mill wheel of the Ratmolen at Aaigem
Zwingelmolen at Aaigem
Place where the mill wheel of the Zwingelmolen once was at Aaigem
Front view of the Cottemmolen at Erpe
Side-view of the Cottemmolen at Erpe
Mill wheel of the Cottemmolen at Erpe
Water tower at Erpe
Van Der Biestmolen at Erpe
Mill wheel of the Van Der Biestmolen at Erpe
Front view of the De Graevesmolen at Mere
Side-view of the De Graevesmolen at Mere
Mill wheel of the De Graevesmolen at Mere
Gotegemmolen at Mere
Mill wheel of the Gotegemmolen at Mere
Kruiskoutermolen at Mere
Molen te Broeck at Mere
Mill wheel of the Molen te Broeck at Mere