Does anybody have any idea what this is used for?

Maybe a concept piece from College. Helps to have a photo of the base even if there's no mark

Looks well made. Might not be British

Something you could heave in and out of a fire by putting a stick through the holes?

I wondered that but assumed the top would just come off

I agree with both of you; it's well made and not British and the holes are for lifting the top off - perhaps it's in an open fire or oven and has stew in it. Perhaps they want a heavy top to cook from above also. Some food that needs cooking top and bottom, roasts/meat ?

Hi guys thanks for all your input on this item you've given me ideas what it might be. It's only 4 inches wide and tall. Could it be duel purpose the lid has pottery wheel wavy lines on it like the bottom of pots so it could be to stand a candle on perhaps and the holes are for putting a Josh stick through or some other incense stick. Perhaps what do you think.