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) the loss of life of one of the boat's occupants, Patrick Featherstone. Visibility on the night was said to be good. Four people had sailed in the boat in order to go fishing; Featherstone, two of his sons and another man, Daniel Cannon. Having anchored in the bay at approximately 19:30hrs they then moved to a position just off Port Skillion, Douglas Head, in order to be more protected should any steamer be making an approach to Douglas Harbour. At 22:00hrs the boat's occupants saw the "Ellan Vannin" steaming round Douglas Head and began to haul their anchor and get