'The Big Sheers', Shoeburyness, 1892 (c)

Photograph, Shoeburyness, Essex, 1892 (c).

Shear legs, an 'A' frame crane, were used to raise and move large pieces of artillery and also in the construction of bridges and fortifications.

The Board of Ordnance purchased land in Shoeburyness in 1849, creating a range and subsequently establishing the Royal Artillery School of Gunnery. The site was garrisoned and used for training and experimental development work. While some buildings and land have been sold off MOD Shoeburyness continues to be used as an experimental establishment.

From a photograph album of 253 photographs compiled by Charles William Stulpnagel (known as Swinton after December 1914), 1889-1920.