Laxey Wheel Isabella was celebrated by the people of Laxey with a grand fayre on Saturday 24 September 2004. It is currently maintained by Manx National Heritage as part of the Great Laxey Wheel & Mines Trail. The wheel features today on the reverse side of the £20 notes issued by the Isle of Man Government. A water-powered wheel was used because the Isle of Man does not have a supply of coal for a steam-powered pump. Water from the surrounding area – including a number of local springs and streams – is collected in a cistern, which is above the level
SS Ellan Vannin (1854) by the steam tug "Sampson". Once aboard the party witnessed the launch of the steamer "Ethiope", the "Ellan Vannin" then steamed up the river as far as the Ince Lighthouse to meet the "Countess of Ellesmere". The "Countess" operating under the command of Captain Street, was brought up alongside the "Ellan Vannin", at that point full steam was given and both vessels raced away towards Garston. For a short time the "Countess" gained on the "Ellan Vannin" but soon both vessels came exactly abreast of each other. The race took twelve minutes to cover the 5 nautical miles to Garston,