Monument MPM1849 - Hand Operated Crane, Horsea Island

Ransome and Rapier five-ton hand operated crane erected at the Admiralty torpedo testing range on Horsea Island in 1887. The crane was used to unload building materials and heavy stores and for lifting torpedos.

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. [31] It is situated within MOD property.

<1> Ripley, Basil, 1982, Horsea Island and The Royal Naval (Bibliographic reference). SPM410.

<2> Moore, Pamela (ed), 1984, A Guide to the Industrial Archaeology of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight (Bibliographic reference). SPM470.