Laxey Wheel, also known as Lady Isabella, is a historic waterwheel located in the village of Laxey on the Isle of Man. The wheel was built in 1854 to pump water from the nearby lead and zinc mines, which were some of the largest in the world at the time. The wheel stands at 72 feet tall and has a diameter of 72 feet, making it the largest working waterwheel in the world.
The wheel is made of cast iron and has 72 wooden buckets that are used to collect water from the nearby river. The water is then used to power the wheel, which turns a series of gears and pumps that were used to drain the mines. The wheel was in operation until 1929, when the mines closed due to a decline in the price of lead and zinc.
Today, the Laxey Wheel is a popular tourist attraction and is open to the public for tours. Visitors can climb to the top of the wheel and see the gears and pumps that were used to power the mines. There is also a museum on site that tells the history of the wheel and the mining industry on the Isle of Man.
The Laxey Wheel is a testament to the ingenuity and engineering skills of the people who built it. It is a symbol of the industrial revolution and the important role that mining played in the development of the Isle of Man. The wheel is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting the island and is a reminder of the island's rich history and heritage.
