Old Naval Yard Crane

The Old Naval Yard Crane, located in Harwich, is a Grade II* listed structure dating back to 1667. Originally built in the old Navy Yard, it was extensively rebuilt and relocated to its current site in 1930. This crane features a timber-framed design with a hipped roof covered in clay pantiles and a semicircular felt roof over its projecting boom. The lower two-thirds of the walls are covered in black weatherboarding, while the upper section is open-framed.

The crane consists of four bays with substantial framing, which includes reversed assembly and St Andrews cross bracing at the ends. It has mid rail girts, and the two front bays are supported by inverted knees on the sole plate. A centrally mounted axle supports a pair of 5-meter diameter treadwheels that feature old clasping spokes, which are stop-chamfered and bear carpenter's marks. The top plate has the initials "LA, WR 1799" inscribed on its underside.

In front of the crane is a raked and braced boom, mounted on a vertical pivoting post, with a hanging knee that strengthens the spandrel. The boom itself has scallop-shaped moulding and an ogee on its soffit, which may date back to the 17th century. This crane is likely the oldest surviving structure of its kind in Britain.