Ballacregga Corn Mill, close to Laxey Wheel offers a mix of heritage, contemporary art and tea rooms.

It is a far cry from the industrial use made of the buildings for the past 60 years, when it was occupied by Manx Engineers Ltd. The company transferred to Ramsey in 2009 and the building was purchased by Stewart and Barbara Clague, directors of Manx building services firm SCS (Stewart Clague Services).

They have worked flat-out to convert the former factory complex into a heritage centre that they feel complements the famous Lady Isabella. The old corn mill itself is now a cosy café.

The old mill, situated at the confluence of the Laxey and Glen Mooar rivers, was first documented in 1863 and was called Creer’s Mill after William Creer, the miller in 1880. The last miller was Lou Killip, who ran it between the First and Second World Wars. He also ran a small fair with a coconut shy, skittles and an archery stall, while his wife sold refreshments and ice creams.

The mill was sold to Manx Engineers Ltd in 1945. It was intended to use the waterwheel to provide power for the machinery, but this did not happen and the wheel was removed and broken up. Fortunately, the mill buildings were largely unchanged.

Largely thanks to Bob Jeavons of Tynwald Mills, who loaned the moulds for the castings, a new wheel was built and installed. It is named ‘Barbara’ after Mrs Clague!

When Manx Engineers moved to Ramsey there was a lot of local interest in the future of the premises. Some felt it should be acquired by Manx National Heritage to create an interpretation centre for Laxey Wheel and the village’s mining history. As time marched on and the premises lay empty, the Clague family decided to buy the property.

Ballacregga Mill is open seven days a week throughout the year.

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