Dear list
Re. the discussion on waterwheels, use of the adjective 'largest' is not
particularly helpful. Clearly contributors to the list on this subject are
actually referring to 'largest diameter', but the power generated is of much more
interest, and wheel diameter does not in itself indicate power output. The
breadth and type of wheel are also relevant, as is, of course, the head and
flow quantity of the water supply.
Thus, the most powerful waterwheel to have been constructed in Britain, is
thought to have been for the Rishworth [textile] Mill, in Halifax. Although
this wheel was some 15 feet less in diameter than the Laxey wheel, it was twice
as broad, and is believed to have been capable of generating 240 hp as
opposed to the 230 hp of Laxey.
It is possible to question the precision of these hp output figures, but the
general point still remains valid.
Stafford
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