Laxey Wheel Laxey Wheel The Laxey Wheel (also known as Lady Isabella) is built into the hillside above the village of Laxey in the Isle of Man. It is the largest working waterwheel in the world. Designed by Robert Casement, the wheel has a diameter, is wide and revolves at approximately three revolutions per minute. It was built in 1854 to pump water from the Glen Mooar part of the Great Laxey Mines industrial complex. It was named "Lady Isabella" after the wife of Lieutenant Governor Charles Hope, who was the island's governor at that time. The 150th anniversary of the Lady
SS Ellan Vannin (1854) by two oscillating marine engines with tubular boilers, built by Messrs. Fawcett, Preston & Co. (similar to those installed in the "Countess of Ellesmere") which developed , driving two paddle wheels of 16' diameter which were fitted with feathered floats. The paddle floats were "feathered" so as to help to reduce vibration which could be common in early marine steam engines. She was divided into five water tight compartments had accommodation for 100 tons of cargo and a bunker capacity for 40 tons of coal. "Ellan Vannin" was said to be a remarkably handsome vessel, having a smart rakish appearance,