Fairbairn Steam Crane

This is a high-capacity, steam-powered crane built between 1876/77 and 1878, designed by William Fairbairn and constructed by Stothert and Pitt of Bath. It is a group value building of significant merit.

The crane is situated on a semi-circular outcrop of masonry integrated into the harbour wall, which is also listed at Grade II. Its foundation is a cylindrical well created from four stacked cast iron rings, secured by wrought iron tie rods with anchor plates embedded in the quayside. Masonry is built around this well, creating the semi-circular outcrop. A cast iron plate at the well’s base provides a bearing for the jib post, and a cast iron ring at quayside level incorporates 28 rollers supported on eight vertical rollers. This design maintains verticality and allows the crane to rotate.

The crane’s primary structural element is a riveted wrought iron box girder, forming both the tapering foundation post and the curved jib. A bronze bearing at the base of the well supports the crane’s entire weight. At the jib's top, two pulley wheels guide the chain, and three cast iron rollers are bolted to the back of the jib to support the chain. Fixed ladders and handrails were added to the jib between 1926 and 1929.

The ground-level cab, also constructed from rivetted wrought iron, contains the machinery and features multi-light, cast iron framed windows with decorative bosses. Originally, the upper winding drum and boiler top were open to the elements, but an extension was added in 1928 to provide weather protection. This upper extension was removed in the 1970s during restoration work and later reinstated in 1989. Replacement and repaired side panels are identifiable by their bolt fixings and welding. A cast iron plate affixed to the jib above the cab reads "Stothert & Pitt. Engineers Bath. 35 Tons Crane."

The cab houses the machinery, including two sets of engines for simultaneous lifting and slewing, along with hand gear for occasional lifts. A boiler, manufactured by Marshall & Sons and installed in 1953, is also present. The jib supports cylinders, slewing gear, main lifting cylinders, gear trains, winding drums, brackets, and a chassis. The chassis holds the water tank, a donkey engine, a coal bunker, the floor, and the cab. All castings and gear wheels are marked with Stothert and Pitt’s initials, with the exception of the three steps into the cab, which are marked by St Pancras Ironworks, London.