Monument MPM1849 - Hand Operated Crane, Horsea Island

Ransome and Rapier five-ton hand operated crane at the former torpedo testing range on Horsea Island. The crane is situated at the entrance to a former quay, known as 'Stores Pier', on the north-west side of the Island. It was erected in 1887 while the range was being constructed and was initially used to unload building materials and other heavy stores. [1] It was later used for lifting torpedos and has a traversing mechanism in addition to lifting gear to allow the careful handling of torpedos. [2] The crane is the only piece of machinery associated with the torpedo range that survives from 1887. It is situated within MOD property.