In the archipelago of Madeira, windmills and watermills (watermills with vertical wheels) were mainly used for grinding cereals. Although the Madeiran cereal industry collapsed in the 15th century, the mills have been part of our landscape for centuries, being present in our toponomy. In Funchal where these structures prevailed having attained a number of more than 300, some belonged to the marquises of Castelo Melhor and were located in Rua das Mercês and in Rua dos Moinhos. Later, and because they were replaced by mechanical grinding systems, most of them were abandoned. There is still an operating water mil located in S. Jorge, in the north of the island.

Credits: Madeira Photography Museum - Atelier Vicente's. 

Joaquim Augusto de Sousa.

Watermill in an unidentified location | JAS / 552.

16.3 x 21.5 cm | Simple negative, glass | Gelatin-silver print.

Joaquim Augusto de Sousa.

Watermill in an unidentified location | JAS / 823

16.3 x 21.4 cm | Simple negative, glass | Gelatin-silver print.