Herring Cran Baskets

There is a fair amount of information, photos and video footage of herring crans, mainly the quarter cran, in action.

They were adopted by the British Government as an official measure for herring, so they had prescribed sizes that had to be adhered to, with specific requirements for brand marks by producers and inspectors.

They were only expected to last a week due to the rough handling on docks and boats.

To make them strong the basket stakes came right up to make the sides and the border, making them quite tough to work.

The fitched design meant water could run out easily, the white willow was hygienic material and the thick borders and handles made them sturdy for dragging and hauling. They were a two man lift when full.

The major herring fishing areas were Great Yarmouth in Norfolk, the Welsh Coast and around the Scottish Coast. Herrings were a hugely important food in Britain before the invention of refrigeration.