Laxey Wheel and Helen Barley both entitled "The 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
SS Ellan Vannin (1883) Liverpool and Scotland. She gave 26 years more service, and became the main mail carrier out of Ramsey. In December 1891, she completed a special overhaul at the Naval Construction Works at Barrow, costing £2,913. By 1909 she was the smallest and oldest ship in the Steam Packet Fleet. "Ellan Vannin" was considered an exceptionally fine vessel in bad weather, carrying out the daily mail contract when other vessels were safe in harbour. Indeed, stormy weather appeared to be no deterrent to her, and it is reported that when up to 12 ocean liners had been taking shelter in Ramsey