Isle of Man Guide

On Sunday 27th September 2009, Manx National Heritage will be hosting an activity day at the Great Laxey Wheel to mark the birthday of this historic site.

There will be a range of activities taking place at the wheel throughout the day including guided walks commencing every hour from 11am to 4pm, children’s discovery trail, a photographic display of Laxey in years gone by provided courtesy of Laxey resident Bill Snelling and watercolour workshops with the opportunity to create your very own painting of the Great Laxey Wheel.

Mannin Folk Group will be undertaking timed performances at the Wheel between midday and 4pm and the Laxey Mines Railway will be operating during the day, with the opportunity to speak with the team of local enthusiasts who operate the railway.

Whilst in Laxey, visitors are also encouraged to enjoy a trip on the Snaefell Mountain Railway, which closes for the season at the end of the day.

Designed by the Victorian engineer, Robert Casement, the Laxey Wheel was built in 1854 to pump water from the Great Laxey lead mines. The impressive 22m (72.5 feet) diameter structure found immediate popularity with visitors and locals alike and has remained one of the Island’s most dramatic tourist attractions for over 150 years. The ‘Lady Isabella’ survived largely through the efforts of one man, Laxey builder Edwin Kneale, who acquired the wheel to save it from being scrapped. Kneale operated the wheel as a tourist attraction until its purchase by the Manx Government in 1965, when a programme of complete restoration began in order to return the great wheel to its former glory. Subsequent acquisition of a neighboring area of Glen Mooar made possible the creation of the Laxey Mines Trail.

The activity day will take place at The Great Laxey Wheel on Sunday 27th September 2009.

Normal admission charges apply and all are welcome to attend.

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