Laxey Wheel, Isle of Man
The Laxey Wheel is one of the must-see tourist destinations on the Isle of Man - indeed it was the first port of call for our recent British Guild of Travel Writer trip to the island where the organisation staged its 2023 AGM.
Known as the world’s largest waterwheel, this vast structure stands as a towering testament to the ingenuity of Victorian engineering. It also looks, as an artist friend of mine pointed out, like some kind of AI illustration of a waterwheel gone slightly wrong. That is because its leat runs down the valley to the wheel’s base where the water is then introduced under pressure to the vast stone cylinder which looms to one-side - I.e. the structure which has the circular staircase running up its outer wall - a staircase which is very definitely NOT for anyone who suffers from vertigo.
Known locally as "Lady Isabella," after the wife of Lieutenant Governor Hope who inaugurated the wheel in 1854, it is the largest surviving waterwheel of its kind in the world. This majestic structure was designed by the talented engineer Robert Casement, and its primary purpose was to pump water from the Glen Mooar part of the 'Great Laxey Mines' copper mines.
The Laxey Wheel, with a diameter of 72 feet and a breadth of six feet, was a marvel of its time. It was ingeniously powered by water from the Laxey River, which was channeled to the site through a network of pipes and troughs. The wheel could pump over 250 gallons of water a minute from the mine more than 600 feet below ground, playing a crucial role in enabling the miners to reach new depths in search of valuable minerals.
When it was erected it became a symbol of the Isle of Man's rich mining heritage - and it still flies the flag for the genius and ingenuity of the island’s industrial past now. Today, the Laxey Wheel is under the care of the Isle of Man National Heritage Trust, an organisation committed to preserving the island's historical and cultural landmarks. The Trust has taken significant steps to maintain and restore this iconic structure, ensuring that it continues to captivate visitors with its grandeur and historical significance. The Trust's efforts have been instrumental in not just preserving the wheel but also in educating the public about the island's industrial heritage.
Visitors to the Laxey Wheel can explore the site, which includes a climb to the top of the wheel for a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape - a climb which, as I say, is not for those who are afraid of heights.
The site also features informative displays that provide insights into the wheel's history and operation, as well as the broader story of mining on the Isle of Man.
The Laxey Wheel is more than just an engineering feat; it is a cherished part of the Isle of Man's heritage.
