The Great London Crane Count: More Than You Can Shake a Steel Beam At
Ah, London. City of history, fog (sometimes), and a truly astonishing number of enormous, hook-handed metal birds dominating the skyline. But just how many are there? That, my friends, is a question that has vexed ornithologists, baffled builders, and left tourists with sore necks from all the craning (see what I did there?).
The Official Count? More Like the Elusive Count!
There isn't actually one official tally of these mechanical marvels. The closest we come is the tireless efforts of crane enthusiasts on forums like SkyscraperCity, who meticulously track these metal behemoths with the dedication of a birdwatcher spotting a rare spoonbill (though slightly less likely to get dive-bombed by a disgruntled crane). Their estimates range from a sturdy 100 to a whopping 300.
So, How Many Cranes Are There Really?
Honestly? Your guess is as good as mine. It depends on how busy the construction industry is, and let's face it, London's skyline is ever-changing, like a particularly ambitious teenager's bedroom.
Here's what we do know:
- There are definitely more cranes than pigeons (although that's not saying much after a good pasty at Trafalgar Square).
- You're more likely to bump into a builder than a ballerina while counting cranes.
- Trying to count them all might give you a serious case of vertigo (and possibly a stern talking-to from a health and safety officer).
Fun Fact: London isn't even the world champion crane capital. That title goes to Dubai, a city that basically looks like a construction crane convention.
FAQ: You Asked, We Answered (Sort Of)
How to count London's cranes?
A valiant effort, but probably best left to the professionals (or the very enthusiastic).
How to avoid getting hit by a crane?
Stay alert on construction sites and trust the experts operating the machinery.
How to use a crane?
Unless you're a qualified crane operator, this is probably a question best left unanswered.
How to befriend a crane?
We wouldn't recommend it. They're not exactly known for their chattiness.
How many cranes does it take to screw in a lightbulb?
Trick question! Cranes don't have hands, silly!
