Laxey Wheel, Victorian water wheel at Mines Road, Laxey, Isle of Man.
Description
The Laxey Wheel is a Victorian water wheel reaching 72 feet (22 meters) in diameter, constructed from red-painted iron and located on Mines Road in Laxey. A spiral staircase with 96 steps climbs to an observation platform near the top of the wheel.
History
Built in 1854 by Robert Casement, this water wheel pumped water from the Glen Mooar mines that yielded lead, copper, silver, and zinc. The machine was a key part of mining operations on the island during the 1800s.
Culture
The wheel appears on Isle of Man twenty-pound banknotes and symbolizes 19th-century industrial achievement in British mining. Its presence on currency reflects how deeply it is woven into the island's identity.
Practical
Visitors can climb the spiral steps to the observation platform from March through November, taking in views of the surrounding landscape. Clear days offer the best visibility from the upper platform level.
Did you know?
The wheel rotates through a backshot system where water strikes the rear side, turning it three times every minute with remarkable efficiency. The 168 water buckets around its circumference are designed to capture and release water at precise moments during rotation.
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