PRIMARY EDUCATION PACK HISTORY OF THE CRANE www.titanclydebank.com TITAN PRIMARY EDUCATION PACK HISTORY Scotland’s Most Unique Visitor Attraction History of the Crane The Clydebank Titan is the world’s first giant cantilever crane, having been designed and built by Sir William Arroll Bros in 1907. Some of Arroll’s other designs include the Forth Bridge (1890) and the Tower Bridge in London (1894). Only thirteen Titans now remain in the world. Scotland: Clydebank, Finnieston (Stobcross), Greenock, Whiteinch England: Barrow-in-Furness, Tyneside, Cowes Australia: Sydney India: Calcutta Japan: Nagasaki, Yokosuka USA: Portsmouth – Virginia, Bremerton – Washington This fabulous crane is all that remains of what was once the famous John Browns shipyard, where great passenger liners and battleships were built. Some of the most famous ships launched here include: The Queen Mary 1936 The Queen Elizabeth 1940 The Royal Yacht Britannia 1953 QE2 1969 The original crane cost £24,600 to build and its’ restoration and conversion to a visitor attraction, some 100 years later, has cost in the region of £3.75million. TITAN PRIMARY EDUCATION PACK HISTORY History of the Crane Standing 150feet tall, the crane was initially capable of lifting loads up to 150tonnes but in 1938 to assist with the war effort, this was increased to 200tonnes. The crane was used to fit out the heavier parts of a ship, such as the engine turbines and artillery. To facilitate such lifting capacity, the Titan itself weighs 800tons and its foundations are set approximately 80feet deep and 8feet in diameter. The Titan Crane was revolutionary as it was the first crane to be electrically powered and therefore only needed one person to operate or drive. The Titan is an iconic structure and is symbolic of Clydebank’s proud industrial past. It is the only A listed structure in Clydebank, as much of the town was destroyed by the Luftwaffe in March 1941 when around 500 people lost their lives in the “Clydebank Blitz”. The crane & shipyard was a major target as it was heavily involved in the production of battleships but inexplicably it was missed during the two nights of bombing the town endured. Stories are that the main road was mistaken for the Clyde as its surface was shimmering from the recent rainfall, resembling the River. The last ship to be launched from John Brown’s was Alisa, in 1971. Marathon Manufacturing then purchased the yard, followed by UIE to build oil rigs but gradually work slowed down and in 1999, the yard was put up for sale, resulting in a phenomenal loss of jobs and a devastating effect on the local economy. Today, Clydebank re-built the local urban regeneration company is working tirelessly to develop this area – its economy, environment, buildings and society. The Board which includes local people of Clydebank, business representatives, Scottish Enterprise and local politicians all share the desire to make a real difference to the area – to position Clydebank as a creative, distinctive and successful region with the Glasgow Metropolitan area. .