Nieuw- En Sint Joosland: Mill, Memorial and Local History

Nieuw- En Sint Joosland combines a windmill, a Peace Memorial and a history of former ferry services with practical information for your stay. Local themes range from architecture and remembrance to everyday amenities and theatre.

Mill, Memorial and Church

Buiten Verwachting is a round, stone smock windmill dating from 1874. It stands in the Mortierepolder at the end of Molenweg in the hamlet of Nieuwland. On 27 August 1983, the mill was officially recommissioned. It turns regularly again, but is no longer used for milling. If you are planning your visit around its regular turning, check its current status in advance.

The Peace Memorial is a roughly three-metre-high pillar topped with a carved dove of peace. It is surrounded by a fence and bears four plaques. It commemorates around twenty residents who died during the Second World War in an accidental Allied bombing of Sint Joostland. The memorial stands in the public cemetery on Westelijke Oude Havendijk.

The present-day Eben Haëzerkerk opened on 6 May 1883 and is a hall church with Gothic windows. Together with the round stone windmill, it highlights two distinct architectural styles; the Peace Memorial connects architectural history with the culture of remembrance. This allows you to distinguish the three themes by building form, period and historical context.

Landscape, Refreshments and Local History

Another point of interest is the monumental culvert, located less than 20 metres from the Theetuin 't Lokkertje and recently restored. The tea garden serves as a rest stop for cyclists and walkers, offering drinks and something tasty to eat. Its opening is seasonal, so check current opening dates if you are planning to stop there. The two places appeal to different interests: the culvert is a restored structure, while the tea garden is a place to take a break.

The history of the Mortierepolder also helps put its connection with Middelburg into context. Until the land was drained in 1846, the ferry from Nieuwland to Middelburg was located here; until then, the island had been isolated. Today, you can reach the centre of Middelburg from Nieuw- En Sint Joosland by car in five minutes. Actual travel time may vary depending on traffic. Comparing the island’s former isolation with today’s short drive helps illustrate how the connection has changed.

Practical Information

The neighbourhood shop is another useful local point of reference for everyday needs. There is one in Nieuw- En Sint Joosland; as small retail businesses can change, check in advance what is currently available if you need something specific. Theatre De Wegwijzer is located at Molenweg 25, 4339 AA, in Nieuw- En Sint Joosland. Current programme details may change, so check them in advance if you plan to include the theatre in your itinerary.

Discover more destinations: Arnemuiden, Middelburg.

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