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 is 72.5 feet (22 metres) in diameter, and 6 feet (1.8 metres) wide, and revolves at approximately 3 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 that time. A water-powered wheel was used because the Isle of Man does not have a supply of coal for a steam-powered pump.
I had hoped to be able to climb the 94 steps to the top, which I did on my previous visit here back in 2002, as it offers wonderful panoramic views across the Laxey Valley and the village. You ascend the spiral stairs to the first platform which is level with the centre of the wheel, and from there up to the viewing platform at the top, where on walking to the end, you're looking directly over the top of the wheel, whilst seeing it actually turning. However, being the time of year it was closed (was due to have opened on 1st April), but at least you could walk around it and get close up, and it's still a must to visit if on the Isle of Man.
A bit more faffing done in PS, to convert the lead to mono! 😁
(images taken 19/03/2020)
Many thanks to
Graham (Ericsamson) for his User Award on my earlier upload,
Leaning On A Lamp Post , most appreciated 🏆👍
Raw images processed in Nikon Capture NX-D, tweaked in Nik Collection's Viveza 2 and Photoshop Elements 14.
Thanks again to everyone for your vote & comments on my previous uploads, it really is appreciated and encouraging 😀👍
Trev 😀
Tags: Black and white
Waterwheel
Isle of man
Landscape and travel
Laxey
Lady isabella
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