Harnessing water as a tool – mills on the Alzette

From the late 18th century through to the end of the 19th century, the mill was a way to harness and exploit the energy of water in order to create and refine materials for building, food, clothing, amenities, warfare, lighting, writing and much more. In Luxembourg City, the demands of a growing population necessitated the production of these materials, and the strong flow and accessible location of the Alzette River was ideal for the placement of the mills.

In my research at the University of Luxembourg, I examine early modern cartographic material of Luxembourg from the 1770s, which gives a unique insight into the historical development of these mills at a specific point in time. Using this material as a starting point, I will show where these mills were, outline what function they served, and discuss their histories, so that people might better understand the stories of parts of the city where they live and can still visit today!