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Did You Know?

Mostert's Mill is a historic windmill located in Mowbray, Cape Town, Western Cape. Built in 1796, it is the oldest surviving windmill in South Africa and one of the few remaining examples of early Cape Dutch milling technology. The mill was constructed by Gysbert van Reenen, a prominent farmer and landowner, and was originally used to grind wheat and other grains for the local community. It is a thatched, stone-built tower mill with a distinctive conical shape, typical of 18th-century Cape windmills. The mill has a significant place in South African history, as it was the site of a key event during the Battle of Blaauwberg in 1806, when British forces landed near Cape Town. The mill was damaged during the battle but was later restored. In the 20th century, it fell into disrepair but was restored to working order in the 1930s by the Van Riebeeck Society. Tragically, in April 2021, Mostert's Mill was severely damaged by a wildfire that swept across the slopes of Table Mountain, destroying its wooden machinery and thatched roof. Restoration efforts are ongoing, with the aim of preserving this important heritage site.

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