Burbage Crane
Burbage Crane Update
Fabrication of the reconstructed crane from the
green oak has now been substantially completed at Claverton Pumping
Station. All that remains to be completed is the “carving” of the
splayed “Pintle” block ( this fits between the top of the retained King
Post and the underside of the sloping jib assembly) and the fixing of
sundry metalwork items.
At Burbage fairly extensive works were
undertaken to deal with decay to the base of the King Post which
included exposing and removing rotten timber, fitting four new steel
support rods and casting a new structural concrete base. Outstanding is
the casting of a circular on plan up-stand plinth and laying sufficient
paving so as to facilitate the erection of the crane.
It is proposed to take the crane to the Inland Waterways Associations Nation Festival
at Beale Park at the end of August where it will be on display and to
then take it back to Burbage for its final erection in
early September.
Reconstruction of the crane is taking longer than originally expected due to some unforeseen problems, but now John
Webb, for the Inland Waterways Association, reports that plans are afoot
for transporting the crane back from Claverton to Burbage. It is hoped
that the Kennet and Avon Trust’s recently acquired workboat, Avon Vale,
will be used and generate some well deserved publicity for the project
at the same time.
Fabricating the crane at Claverton has been a plus point too because of the interest it generates from visitors.
At the Burbage end extra work has been necessary getting the retained
centre post and paved surrounding area ready. Rather more rot was
discovered below ground level than had been initially identified. A
system of buried timbers, designed to transmit heavy loads, has had to
be removed and replaced with a concrete base and mild steel connecting
straps to tie it to the retained post. The inappropriate paved area will then be replaced with stone cobbles, which
is most likely to match the original surface. This particular part of
the reconstruction is being financed by a grant from the IWA’s South
West Region.
Funds permitting and as an extension to the IWA funded
works, it is planned to erect an Interpretation Board on the towpath
opposite the Burbage Wharf. This can cover the history of the crane and
its two re- constructions as well as giving credit to those who have
participated in the current one.
For those who may be unaware of the details of the project, it should be explained that the crane and the
Wharf are on the off side of the canal and the old wharf building,
belonging to the Crown Estate, has now been converted to four private
dwellings; the crane now sits in their gardens. This means it cannot now
be viewed at close quarters. Fortunately, the sheer size of the crane
means it can be seen by those on the towpath opposite as well as by passing
boats; the Interpretation Board will provide the necessary information.
Further details can be had from: John Webb, Inland Waterways
Association. Tel:01225 836133; Fax: 01225 836137; email:
jes.webb@btinternet.com .