Steam was used on the island when water power was insufficient, but where the latter was available (often brought long distances by leats, as in the case of Mid Wales, for example) there was a tendancy to use huge wheels to make best use of the relatively meagre supplies. These wheels seemed to be fed from steep hill sides, with the water being brought onto the top of the overshot or pitchback wheel by excessively impressive launders or flumes, supported on masonry piers. The wheel here was of 50 feet diameter.
This photograph is by Dickie Bird and was uploaded January 11th 2015. © Dickie Bird please do not copy or distribute without prior express permission.
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