Laxey Wheel
Encyclopedia
The Laxey Wheel is a large waterwheel built in the village of Laxey
in the Isle of Man
. Designed by Robert Casement, it has a 72 in 6 in (22.1 m) diameter, is 6 feet (1.83 m) wide and revolves at approximately three revolutions per minute.
who was the island's governor at that time.
The Laxey Wheel is 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.
The 150th anniversary of the Lady Isabella was celebrated by the people of Laxey with a grand Fayre on Saturday 24 September 2004. It is currently maintained by Manx National Heritage
as part of the Great Laxey Wheel & Mines Trail.
The Wheel features today on the reverse side of the £20 notes issued by the Isle of Man Government
.
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 4 feet (1.22 m) and connects to a counterweight and to a very long rod. This rod runs along the rod viaduct to the pumping shaft where the 8 feet (2.44 m) 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.
The wheel still operates but does not pump water.
.
it is entitled The Laxey Wheel.
Laxey
Laxey is a village on the east coast of the Isle of Man. Its name derives from the Old Norse Laxa meaning 'Salmon River'.The village lies on the A2, the main Douglas to Ramsey road. Laxey Glen is one of the Manx National Glens, with Dhoon Glen being located close by...
in the Isle of Man
Isle of Man
The Isle of Man , otherwise known simply as Mann , is a self-governing British Crown Dependency, located in the Irish Sea between the islands of Great Britain and Ireland, within the British Isles. The head of state is Queen Elizabeth II, who holds the title of Lord of Mann. The Lord of Mann is...
. Designed by Robert Casement, it has a 72 in 6 in (22.1 m) diameter, is 6 feet (1.83 m) wide and revolves at approximately three revolutions per minute.
History
It was built in 1854 to pump water from the mineshafts and named "Lady Isabella" after the wife of Lieutenant Governor Charles HopeCharles Hope (MP)
Charles Hope , styled The Honourable from 1823, was a Scottish Conservative Party politician.-Career:...
who was the island's governor at that time.
The Laxey Wheel is 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.
Manx National Heritage
Manx National Heritage is the national heritage organisation for the Isle of Man. It was established in 1951 as the Manx National Trust, and its legal title is the Manx Museum and National Trust.-Overview:...
as part of the Great Laxey Wheel & Mines Trail.
The Wheel features today on the reverse side of the £20 notes issued by the Isle of Man Government
Isle of Man Government
The Isle of Man Government is the government of the Isle of Man. The formal head of the Isle of Man Government is the Lieutenant Governor, representing HM Queen Elizabeth II, Lord of Mann...
.
Technical details
The wheel is water-powered since the Isle of Man does not have a supply of coalCoal
Coal is a combustible black or brownish-black sedimentary rock usually occurring in rock strata in layers or veins called coal beds or coal seams. The harder forms, such as anthracite coal, can be regarded as metamorphic rock because of later exposure to elevated temperature and pressure...
but does have an abundance of water.
Water from the surrounding area, including the local river, is collected in a cistern
Cistern
A cistern is a waterproof receptacle for holding liquids, usually water. Cisterns are often built to catch and store rainwater. Cisterns are distinguished from wells by their waterproof linings...
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 4 feet (1.22 m) and connects to a counterweight and to a very long rod. This rod runs along the rod viaduct to the pumping shaft where the 8 feet (2.44 m) 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, 72 ft 6in.
- Circumference, 210 ft 6in.
- Width, 6 ft.
- Delivery, 250 gallons (1,136.5 l) of water a minute from the Laxey mines some 200 yards (182.9 m) away and 1500 feet (457.2 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 HeritageManx National Heritage
Manx National Heritage is the national heritage organisation for the Isle of Man. It was established in 1951 as the Manx National Trust, and its legal title is the Manx Museum and National Trust.-Overview:...
.
Musical Wheel
The wheel has a piece of music dedicated to it; penned by the late Stuart SlackStuart Slack
Stuart Slack was a top cyclist and author from the Isle of Man.He attended the Douglas High School for Boys from 1946 to 1951, and was a promising swimmer...
it is entitled The Laxey Wheel.
External links
- IOMGuide.com/LaxeyWheel Illustrated and with visitor prices.