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Summary

Remains of a ruined circular structure (arsenic refiner bed) and connected brick flue at Devon Great Consols Arsenic works constructed in the early 20th century.

Location

Protected Status

• Scheduled Monument 1020328: Early 20th century arsenic works at the Devon Great Consols Mine

Other References/Statuses: none recorded

Monument Type(s) and Dates

• FLUE (Constructed, Early 20th Century - 1920 AD (Between) to 1929 AD (Between))
• REFINERY (Constructed, Early 20th Century - 1920 AD (Between) to 1929 AD (Between))

Full description

Unknown, 2007, The Outstanding Univeral Value of the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape, 90-91 (Report - non-specific). SDV366052.

The Tamar Valley contains the most important and extensive survivals of arsenic refineries and calciners in the World Heritage Site, for example at Devon Great Consols. By the last decades of the 19th century Devon Great Consuls and Gawton were supplying 50% of the world’s arsenic and their dumpscapes and refinery remains are exceptional.

White, A., 2009, Structural Appraisal, Arsenic Works, Devon Great Consols, Tamar Valley, Tavistock, Devon, 9-10, figs 50-57 (Report - Survey). SDV347876.

Structural appraisal provided of the arsenic refiner bed at SX 42585 73288. The remains of this circular structure (fig 50) are covered with debris. The outline of the building can be seen on the south side (fig 52). The main structure appears to be stone masonry, with a brick arch visible. The archaeological report indicates there were a series of flues in the refiner but these cannot be confirmed due to the level of debris within the feature.
To the west of the refiner bed are the remains of the flue which came from the refiner to an as yet unidentified condenser unit (figs 54-57). The flue is contained in its own brick structure, although much has now collapsed. Some of the brick facing above the collapsed flue has also failed.

Bluesky International Ltd/Getmapping PLC, 2015-2017, 2015-2017 Aerial Photographs (Aerial Photograph). SDV361462.

Remains of a circular structure still visible on the aerial photography.

Sources / Further Reading

SDV347876	Report - Survey: White, A.. 2009. Structural Appraisal, Arsenic Works, Devon Great Consols, Tamar Valley, Tavistock, Devon. Knevitt Consulting. B6779. A4 Comb Bound + Digital. 9-10, figs 50-57.
SDV361462	Aerial Photograph: Bluesky International Ltd/Getmapping PLC. 2015-2017. 2015-2017 Aerial Photographs. Bluesky International Ltd/Getmapping PLC. Photograph (Digital). [Mapped feature: #122443 ]
SDV366052	Report - non-specific: Unknown. 2007. The Outstanding Univeral Value of the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape. Unattributed Report. Digital. 90-91.
	Linked documents:2

Associated Monuments

Associated Finds: none recorded

Associated Events

• EDV5336 - Structural Appraisal of the Arsenic Works at Devon Great Consols Mine

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