A wind turbine blade rotating and braking apparatus comprising: a root device including: a root support member having an upper surface with a radius of curvature and configured to receive a portion (e.g. root) of a wind turbine blade, rollers having a longitudinal axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the blade and configured to rotate the blade; braking mount on the sides of the root support member; and a braking mechanism (e.g. strap or band) fixedly attached to the first mount, releasably attached to the second mount and extending above the blade to apply a braking force to the blade. Once applied, the braking force can be maintained by a locking pin.