The Fairbairn Steam Crane Bristol Editorial Image

The Fairbairn Steam Crane quayside at Princes Wharf Bristol 1878, is an `improved design` patented in 1850 by Sir William Fairbairn, and is the only steam-powered example in the world. It was designed to handle very heavy loads, 35 tons on ships in the docks until 1973.The cranes innovation was in a curved jib, designed with tension carried by the outer convex surfaces, and compressive load by the inner surface. Manufactured by Stothert & Pitt. In service it was not a great success commercially and was superseded in 1892 by hydraulic machinery , cranes, and electric powered machinery in 1906. In WW II the cranes heavy capacity was utilised with unloading landing craft from lorries. The crane is now owned by Bristol City Museum and is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, it is still operational and steamed on special occasions.