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) of Scarlett, another at the old pier-head and a third on the quay. Work had also been undertaken by the Commissioners of Harbours in order to deepen the harbour so as to accommodate the new vessel. The "Ellan Vannin" departed Liverpool at 08:00hrs and made good time during the passage. Just after 14:00hrs she rounded Langness Point and entered Castletown Bay, amidst the booming of the cannon and the cheering of the crowd, arriving off the pier at 14:20hrs having made passage in 6 hours 20 minutes. After landing her passengers and the directors who had been on board, the