Laxey agreement that it should be kept in perpetual running order for the people of the Isle of Man. In 1965 the Isle of Man Government bought the wheel and the site. Restoration work began, and in 1989 it was put under the control of Manx National Heritage. Great Laxey Mine Railway re-opened with two small steam engines in September 2004 to carry passengers along the restored route. Laxey is the site of King Orry's Grave. The Laxey Woollen Mills were founded in 1881 by Egbert Rydings, supported by John Ruskin, and were originally water powered. The mills are known for
SS Ellan Vannin (1854) as agents for the Sardinian Government for £4,070. (equivalent to £ in ) Upon purchase "Ellan Vannin's" name was changed to "Archimedes". The Castletown Steam Navigation Company subsequently went into liquidation. A further call on the shareholders of 10 shillings per share was made in order to finally clear the liabilities incurred by the "Ellan Vannin" for final claims of £600 (equivalent to £ in ). On the night of Tuesday 2 September 1856, whilst under the command of Capt. Skillicorn, the "Ellan Vannin" was involved in an incident in Douglas Bay with a small fishing boat which resulted in