THE CRANE    THE CANAL BASIN

 

ACRAMAN'S CRANE

 This crane was used for loading and unloading heavy goods from the barges and narrow-boats which used the canals, it was also used to lift the stone weights which were kept on the wharfside for gauging boats. It was installed here in 1825 and is a very early example of machinery made by the Acraman company at Bathiurst Basin in Bristol. They later expanded and opened important foundries and shipyards at various other sites in Bristol.

Most cranes of this period were of wooden construction, so it is possible that this could be among the earliest iron cranes still in existence. Several parts of the crane mechanism have been removed to safe storage, others are missing altogether. The mechanism is badly worn and it is felt that the remaining structure could not be repaired without seriously compromising its historic value; so the intention is to preserve it, rather than restore it.