See important guidance on the use of this record.

If you have any comments or new information about this record, please email us.

Summary

The Boiler House and attached Chimney would have been contemporary with the adjacent Pumping Engine House and formed part of the same complex at Gawton Mine. In addition to the Pumping Engine House, it also probably provided steam for the nearby Rotary Engine House.

Location

Protected Status

• Scheduled Monument 1002667: Gawton arsenic mine and flue

Other References/Statuses: none recorded

Monument Type(s) and Dates

• BOILER HOUSE (XIX - 1863 AD (Between) to 1863 AD (Between))

Full description

Buck, C., 2006, Gawton Mine, Devon: Archaeological Assessment, 57 (Report - Assessment). SDV344672.

The Boiler house is located at SX 45039 68806. The existing building was built in two phases: The first appears to be contemporary with the construction of the engine house and a single boiler, whilst the second appears to be demolition of the north wall to construct a larger building – perhaps to house an additional boiler for the rotary engine house which was in use by 1866.
This building has largely collapsed through the rotting of structural timbers, except for part of the rear (eastern) section and the northern wall of the engine house which has been stabilised by the attached chimney stack. Much of the interior of the building is full of rubble, and is not accessible. Other details: Site No. 60.

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), 153-154, Photograph 88, Figure No. 7 (Report - Survey). SDV366131.

The Boiler House and attached Chimney (Site No. 60.1) located at SX 445039 68806 would have been contemporary with the adjacent Pumping Engine House (Site No. 59) and formed part of the same complex. In addition to the Pumping Engine House, it also probably provided steam for the nearby Rotary Engine House (Site No. 63). In 2006 the Boiler House was found to have largely collapsed, except for part of a rear (eastern) section of wall and shared wall with the Pumping Engine House (Site No. 59), which had been stabilised by the attached Chimney (Site No. 60.1). The interior of the building was infilled with rubble and not considered safe to enter.
The Boiler House was densely overgrown and not closely approached during this survey. Its condition was similar to that described in 2006 and no major recent failures were identified. The Boiler House was assessed to be in poor condition. The Boiler House was a crucial element of the mine during operations from the mid-19th century onwards and will contain important evidential and historical value dating from this time. Vegetation clearance, structural repairs and monitoring should be undertaken but if urgent conservation works are not deemed appropriate then the site should be securely fenced with warning signs. The location of the Boiler House is based on the Site Plan Figure No. 7. Other details: Site No. 60.

Jon Avent, 2023, Gawton Mines, Gulworthy, Devon- Structural Condition Report, 34 (Report - Survey). SDV366140.

Vegetation present, particularly at high level, restricting access. Remove vegetation and consolidate wall heads. Other details: Site No. 60.

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

Search results generated by the HBSMR Gateway from exeGesIS SDM Ltd.