Abstract: PCT No. PCT/GB78/00019 Sec. 371 Date June 5, 1979 Sec. 102(e) date June 1, 1979 PCT Filed Oct. 3, 1978 PCT Pub. No. W079/00182 PCT Pub. Date Apr. 19, 1979The invention relates to wire ropes.There is disclosed a wire rope comprising a plurality of strands (4-12) twisted together with each strand (4-12) being individually covered by a respective sheath (16) of rubber or rubber substitute. Each strand (4-12) comprises a plurality of wires (14) twisted together with the direction of twist of at least the outer wires (14) in each strand (4-12) being opposite to the direction of twist of at least the outer wires (14) in the strands (4-12) adjacent to it, the rope having an outer covering sheath (18) of rubber or rubber substitute.In this way, the wires (14) of adjacent strands (4-12) do not cross each other, and stress on them is reduced.