☰Treadwheel Crane

Built in 1667 in the former naval yard, this is the only surviving two-wheel man-powered treadwheel crane in Britain. Workers walked inside the large wooden wheels — like hamsters in a wheel — to lift timber, guns, and naval stores. It remained in use until 1927. The crane stands in the open and can be viewed freely; the Harwich Society occasionally demonstrates it during open days.