Laxey Wheel

Infobox building
building_name = The Great Laxey Wheel
Lady Isabella Wheel
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building_type = Water wheel
architectural_style = Victorian
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location = Laxey, Isle of Man
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owner = Manx National Heritage
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coordinates = coord|54|14|18.7|N|4|24|26.6|W|region:IM_type:landmark
start_date =
completion_date = 1854
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height =
diameter = convert|72|ft|6|in|m|2
other_dimensions =
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main_contractor =
architect = Robert Casement
structural_engineer =
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The Laxey Wheel (also known as Lady Isabella) is a large waterwheel built in the village of Laxey in the Isle of Man. Designed by Robert Casement, it is convert|72|ft|6|in|m|2 in diameter and convert|6|ft|m|2 wide. It revolves at about 3 rpm.

History

It was built in 1854 to pump water from the mineshafts and named "Lady Isabella" after the wife of Lieutenant Governor Hope who was the island's governor at that time.

The Laxey wheel has been claimed to be the largest working waterwheel in the world. The wheel was used to pump water from the Glen Mooar part of the ‘Great Laxey Mines’ industrial complex.

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Technical details

The wheel is water-powered since the Isle of Man does not have a supply of coal but does have an abundance of water.

Water from the surrounding area, including the local river, is collected in a cistern which is above the level of the top of the wheel. A closed pipe connects the cistern to the top of the wheel; thus the water flows up the tower without problem. The water falls from the pipe into the buckets (formed from wooden slats on the circumference) and makes the wheel rotate in what is described as the 'reverse' direction. The crank has a throw of convert|4|ft|m|2 and connects to a counterweight and to a very long rod. This rod runs along the rod viaduct to the pumping shaft where the convert|8|ft|m|2 stroke is converted by T-rockers into a pumping action.

Most of the wheel and rod is made of wood; however, key mechanical parts are metal to provide tension and bearing surfaces. The rod has attached wheels at intervals to permit the stroke's motion with minimal friction.

Dimensions

* Diameter, 72ft 6in.
* Circumference, 210ft 6in.
* Width, 6ft.
* Delivery, convert|250|impgal|l of water a minute from the Laxey mines some convert|200|yd|m away and convert|1500|ft|m below ground

The wheel still operates but does not pump water.

The mine

The mine employed over 600 miners at its peak producing lead, copper, silver and zinc until it closed in 1929. In 1965 the Manx Government bought the wheel and site. The wheel was restored and, in 1989, it was put under the control of Manx National Heritage.

Musical Wheel

The wheel has a piece of music dedicated to it; penned by the late Stuart Slack it is entitled "The Laxey Wheel".
* [http://manxman.freelinks.ch/moodle/course/view.php?id=2 A video of the turning wheel and Stuart Slack's Laxey Wheel song played by the Stationary Willberries (Manx Folk Band lic. C. Slack)]

ee also

* Snaefell Wheel
* Great Laxey Mine Railway

External links

* [http://www.iomguide.com/laxeywheel.php IOMGuide.com/LaxeyWheel] Illustrated and with visitor prices.
* [http://www.isle-of-man.com/information/lwheel.htm Isle-of-Man.com] History of Laxey Wheel
* [http://www.sharpos-world.co.uk/mainindx/oddments/iomwheel/iomwheel.htm Write up with pictures] (Sharpos)
* [http://www.dankarran.com/photography/isleofman/laxey/ Photos of Laxey by Dan Karran]