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Summary

Flue at Gawton mine dating from 1880 that carried the arsenical vapours.

Location

Protected Status

• Scheduled Monument 1002667: Gawton arsenic mine and flue

Other References/Statuses

• Old DCC SMR Ref: SX46NE/527/5
• Old SAM County Ref: 1024

Monument Type(s) and Dates

• FLUE (XIX - 1880 AD to 1880 AD (Between))

Full description

Timms, S., 1985, An Archaeological Assessment of the Remains of the Quay, Mine and Arsenic Works at Gawton, Tavistock Hamlets, 11.1, appendix (Report - Assessment). SDV352213.

11.1 - Flue. Earlier than 11.2. Noted on sources dated 1895, 1906, 1953, 1984. Condition is fair to poor. Course of the flue can be traced along hillside and up to stack (11.3). Timms shows full course marked on plan.

Dixon, T. + Matthews, A. + Pye A. R. + Slater, W. D., 1988, Gawton Mine and Arsenic Works. The Field Survey. 1988, 31-33 (Report - Survey). SDV222516.

Flue dating from 1880 that carried arsenical vapours which precipitated arsenic soot, which was raked out through a series of openings and taken to the refinery. The first (1880) flue formed a single line over 2000 feet long, leading up to the chimney at SX45556895. A waterfall was installed along its length using water from the mine leat to absorb some of the harmful gases. An 1896 description (see Weddell and Pye 9.5) shows flues roofed at this period. Report gives details of flues and their complex and extensive associated remains. Other details: Fig 19, pls 20-24. Survey Spring/Summer 1988.

Weddell, P. J. + Pye, A. R., 1989, Gawton Mine and Arsenic Works: The Documentary Research 1988 (Report - non-specific). SDV263249.

Buck, C., 2003, Gawton Mine, Devon, Fig 5 (Report - Survey). SDV222530.

Buck, C., 2006, Gawton Mine, Devon: Archaeological Assessment, 38 (Report - Assessment). SDV344672.

The arsenic flue, running from the 1880s arsenic refinery, is partly in a ruinous condition. The roof (probably brick) has been robbed long ago and the walls in many places have collapsed, and occasionally slipped downslope. The condenser 'tower' is extant and in a relatively good condition, but the inspection chambers have only a few courses of brick remaining. Other details: Figures 24, 26, site 27.

Buck, C., 2006, Gawton Mine, Devon: Impact Assessment Report, 33-34 (Report - Assessment). SDV348353.

The Tamar Valley Mining Heritage Project has proposed that a programme of building conservation and public safety works be undertaken to a number of sites within Gawton Quay and Mine. In the past the walls of the arsenic flues have been severely denuded as walkers have used the footpath which crosses them (a footbridge is shown on the early 20th century Ordnance Survey map). It is proposed to construct another low footbridge over the remnants of both flues, with timber supports sited before and after them. Other details: Figure 4, site 27; figure 21.

English Heritage, 2011, Heritage at Risk Register 2011: South West, 117 (Report - non-specific). SDV355280.

Gawton arsenic mine and flue, Gulworthy. Extensive significant problems. Declining.

Ordnance Survey, 2019, MasterMap 2019 (Cartographic). SDV362729.

Depicted on the modern maps, apart from the eastern end joining the chimney.

Sources / Further Reading

Associated Monuments

Associated Finds: none recorded

Associated Events

• EDV3173 - Unnamed Event
• EDV4746 - Archaeological Assessment of Gawton Mine, Devon
• EDV4747 - Field Survey of Gawton Mine

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