This is one of many cranes in the huge complex of freestone workings around Bath used to raise large blocks of cut stone onto wagons or stacks.
They are just some of the latter relics from this industry that was started here by the Romans and has carried on ever since, providing building stone.

They all have a similar basic design; of a set height, typically Jib type with a vertical support and a Boom fixed at the top collar.
Wooden or shaped stone blocks are used to fix and pivot the base. A square hole called a “Chog Hole” in the roof holds the top, along with a rectangular hole for a “Lewis Bolt” to aid in hauling the crane up.

Throughout Box Freestone mine you can see a progression in technologies the further north you go within the workings, with the 1968 end workings having the same design type – being still made of wood but having safety features such as hand guards, breaking bands and multi gearing options.

taken with cannon 350d digital SLR, 18mm lens [30 secs. f7.1]