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It might not have been said at the time, but Hilda is very cute. I'm puzzled by the two downward-pointing tines at the very front of the engine. They don't seem like they'd be effective at clearing obstacles from the path of the engine, but I can't think what other purpose they would serve.

This must be for a King George V-class battleship, the only British battleships in World War II to mount quadruple turrets.

Thanks Iain. Strangely enough my colleague, Colin, said exactly the same thing just moments before your comment arrived.

It's massive - look where the barrel fits in and a man is stood there..

Its one of King George V's turrets which was lead ship of the class that was built at Walker Naval yard (below). Mounting 10 of these 14 inch guns. These quadruple mounts were very complex.

These very guns contributed to the sinking of the KMS Bismark in May 1941.

Fantastic historical photo.

Interesting text and great photo - thanks! Looking back, it's tempting to say that countries are better off when they're the workshops of the world than under post-industrial economies.

Could be a turret for the battleship HMS Monarch as that was under construction at Elswick in 1911.

Oh wow this is a fantastic photo! Very atmospheric! I kinda forgot these things are assembled 'dirty' and then dismantled, painted and placed onto a ship..

13.5 inch calibre Paul. Monarch mounted 10 of these guns in 5 turrets. As a footnote the Japanese battleships Yamato & Musashi mounted the largest guns in history at 18 inch calibre. The armoured plates on the turret faces were 25 inches thick.

That's madness Billy. Mind saying that, it's how warfare was carried out on the seas then. Now it's missiles and aircraft..