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 (1883) During the summer of 1909 Teare was in command of the "King Orry" and had only joined the "Ellan Vannin" the day before her ill-fated voyage. Captain Teare was married with four children. "Ellan Vannin" was carrying 15 passengers and 21 crew as well as mail and 60 tonnes of cargo which included approximately 60 sheep. The weather on departure was moderate and although the barometric pressure was falling the captain did not expect a significant deterioration in the weather. The wind direction on departure was from the northwest meaning the "Ellan Vannin" would have a following sea during her