The Great Laxey Wheel
The Laxey Wheel (also known as Lady Isabella) is located on the Isle of Man's mountainside above the settlement of Laxey. It is the world's largest functioning water wheel. The wheel measures 72 feet 6 inches (22.1 meters) in diameter, 6 feet (1.8 meters) wide, and turns at around three rotations every minute, according to its designer, Robert Casement.
It was established in 1854 to pump water from the Great Laxey Mines industrial complex's Glen Mooar section. It was named "Lady Isabella" after Lieutenant Colonel Governor Charles Hope's wife, who was the island's governor at the time. Manx National Heritage is actively maintaining the wheel as part of the Great Laxey Wheel & Mines Trail. The reverse side of the Isle of Man Government's £20 note is featured on the wheel today.
For almost 150 years, it has been one of the most popular tourist attractions on the Isle of Man. Before attempting to climb to the top, you'll have the opportunity to watch the wheel spin and be rewarded with panoramic views of the Glen Mooar Valley. Formerly back on solid ground, travel across the valley to the Great Laxey Mines, where you can hear about the lives of the miners, hike into the mines, and ride on the Great Railway Laxey Mines, which was once used to move lead and zinc ores from deep beneath the mine. With inherent natural beauty and historical beauty preserved to this day, The Great Laxey Wheel deserves to be on the list of the most beautiful historical sites in Isle of Man.
Location: Laxey, Isle of Man
