Medieval Waterworks

Thanks to peter Alaca of sci.archeolgy for providing us with a brief translation:

During roadworks last year in Brughes a valve of the old
public waterworks was found. The age of the valve is
unknown, but it is mentioned in the records of 1610.
http://www.raakvlak.be/nieuwsbrief.php?itemno=113
The object on the right is the "key" to operate the valve


Already in the late 13th century waterworks made of lead
pipes existed in Brughes, bringing water from a pond (and
later from the moat around the city) to public wells and to
some businesses in the centre of town. They were called
"moerbuizen". A pipe in a different location can be seen in
photo 3.


Water was brought into the system with a peddle wheel
in a "waterhouse". The 14th/15c waterhouse can be seen
here in the first picture and in the second picture on the
right. http://www.molenechos.org/molen.php?AdvSearch=1214
Left in the second pucture is its 18th c replacement.
The system was in use until the early 20th century




Water Works
Water House

Medieval Waterworks