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Summary

The Coal Yard was interpreted as an open walled area and possibly the earliest feature of the site.

Location

Protected Status

• Scheduled Monument 1002667: Gawton arsenic mine and flue

Other References/Statuses: none recorded

Monument Type(s) and Dates

• YARD (XIX - 1840 AD (Between) to 1899 AD (Between))

Full description

Buck, C., 2006, Gawton Mine, Devon: Archaeological Assessment, 50, Figure 11 (Report - Assessment). SDV344672.

The Coal Yard is located at SX 45073 68875. This feature has been interpreted as an open walled yard, possibly the earliest feature of the site. The two masonry pillars are part of the north eastern store building. The central part of the complex was open. The coal yard being the main area between the buildings to the north and south - the lockable gates being security. The original high (3.0 to 4.0 metres) perimeter wall surrounds the yard. If the covering leaves are removed from the floor surface, it may well reveal a stone cobbled floor. The structural competency of the extant high wall will need to be assessed and the walls capped. Other details: Site No. 48.

Clive Meaton, 2023, Gawton Mine, Devon- Costed and Prioritised Proposals for Capital Works for the Conservation and Management of Gawton Mine Scheduled Monument (Redacted Costs Version), 121-124, Photograph 60, 61, 62 and 63 (Report - Survey). SDV366131.

The Coal Yard was interpreted as an open walled area located at SX 45073 68875, and was possibly the earliest feature of the complex. The masonry pillars were part of the north-east store building. In 2006 the central part of the complex was open, and the high enclosing perimeter walls survived to a height of between 3 metres and 4 metres. Openings were noted in the north and west walls, where lockable gates would have been fitted to prevent pilfering. It was suggested that newly formed soil could be removed from the ground surface to reveal a cobbled stone floor, if present. A survey of the high perimeter wall was also recommended to assess its structural competency, and to enable public access. Capping of the wall was also thought likely.
The height of the Coal Yard perimeter walls, between 3 metres and 4 metres were found to be unchanged from 2006. However, walls were frequently overgrown with vegetation, and in places scaffold bracing erected, as temporary mitigation against collapse. Bracing was mostly focussed along walls on the east and south-east side of the structure. However, leans to the north and west elevations, adjacent to their central entrances on either side were also identified and there were fractures recorded to the west wall, south of the south most buttress, and also to the east wall, which required stitching. Another vertical crack was noted beneath the window, the east side of the north elevation, although this was not considered to be of immediate concern.The shared Cooperage wall, forming the south side of the Coal Yard, appeared to display a slight inwards lean, although this was uncertain given the degree of vegetation cover. Stonework was frequently open jointed, with localised voids. The Coal Yard is an integral part of the complex here and forms a legible group with the Cooperage (Site No. 47) and Stores (Site No. 49). As with the other elements, it contains important historical and evidential value spanning a long period of use, ranging from the early 19th century through to the main arsenic producing years. It is considered to be of very high significance relative to other features and structures across the Site. Vegetation management, structural repairs and regular monitoring should be undertaken. Other details: Site No. 48.

Jon Avent, 2023, Gawton Mines, Gulworthy, Devon- Structural Condition Report, 26 (Report - Survey). SDV366140.

A vertical fracture was noted in the north wall of the coal yard, facing the river, beneath the window opening on the east side of the entrance. The fracture does not appear to be having any immediate influence on stability. Other details: Site No. 48.

Ordnance Survey, 2024, Mastermap 2024 (Cartographic). SDV365834.

The Coal Yard walls are depicted.

Sources / Further Reading

Associated Monuments

Associated Finds: none recorded

Associated Events

• EDV9132 - Gawton Mine, Devon- Costed and Prioritised Proposals for Capital Works for the Conservation and Management of Gawton Mine Scheduled Monument
• EDV9133 - Gawton Mines, Gulworthy, Devon- Structural Condition Report
• EDV4746 - Archaeological Assessment of Gawton Mine, Devon
• EDV4747 - Field Survey of Gawton Mine

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