Crane which is 'iconic piece of history' restored

A crane which has stood at the heart of Dover port since 1868 has been restored and is again accessible to the public.

The Fairbairn crane, protected as a scheduled monument, has been painted and undergone conservation work, described by the Kent port's bosses as "an important milestone in preserving the port's rich maritime heritage".

It was designed by Scottish engineer Sir William Fairbairn to lift heavy goods on and off vessels, with its "swan neck" allowing it to hold bulkier loads than other cranes.

A Port of Dover spokesperson said it was the sole surviving example in Britain to be built by the Fairbairn Engineering Company in Manchester, rather than under licence elsewhere.

As the largest crane in the harbour, and known as the "30-ton crane", it was used for items like iron cylinders for lining the mineshaft of Kent's first coal mine, the Shakespeare colliery, and artillery guns for the Army.

It was also used during World War One and World War Two after a railway siding was laid on Esplanade Quay in September 1914, and equipment was brought to Dover by train from army depots across Britain.

The crane was retired in the 1980s.

Doug Bannister, chief executive of the Port of Dover, said: "We are incredibly proud to see the Fairbairn crane restored to its original appearance."

He said the port was committed to preserving Dover's maritime heritage while continuing to evolve as a "modern and dynamic port".

"We look forward to the community and visitors enjoying this iconic piece of history," he added.

Paul Roberts, development advice team leader at Historic England, described the crane as "an elegant piece of engineering history" and a part of Dover's remarkable historic environment.

The Port of Dover is in the process of planning its 2050 project which will include the regeneration of the Eastern Docks, Western Docks, and waterfront areas, and the development of new homes.

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